‘One in Ministry to All the World’
NEJ Conference to elect 2 bishops, celebrate milestones
| The UMC’s Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference will officially convene next Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 2-4, in College Park, Md. But the 184 delegates and reserves will first gather on Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, to interview candidates for election to bishop. Delegates expect to elect two new bishops from nine endorsed candidates, including one from EPA. They will also hear reports and honor retiring bishops, including Bishop Peggy Johnson. Learn more. | |
Vitality through small groups
Men’s group marks 30 years of monthly breakfasts
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The Bethel Hill UM Men’s group recently celebrated an impressive anniversary. They have gathered monthly to enjoy a savory Saturday morning breakfast together for 30 years. The men, who will gather at 8 AM again on this Saturday, Oct. 29, celebrated that anniversary in the most fitting way: with hearty food and fellowship, and fond remembrances. Learn more.
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More things you should know... | |
1. New EPA staff member to provide district support
Diana Swogger has joined EPA staff as District Resource Support serving on the Regional Team. Her email address is [email protected].
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2. Job Opening: Regional Resource Support, Youth/Young Adults & Mosaic
The new EPA Regional Resource Support staff member will promote and facilitate the growth of congregational leadership, vitality and sustainability to ensure the development of transformational leaders, especially for youth and young adult ministries. Learn more.
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3. Pathways video now subtitled in Spanish
The new Pathways to Congregational Fruitfulness & Health video now has a version with Spanish-language subtitles for EPA members who want to view it with that additional feature. The Rev. Lisa DePaz, EPA Latino Ministries Coordinator, translated the video script and has shared the subtitled video with Latino church leaders for use with their congregations. Find it here.
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4. Donate both signed and blank Christmas cards for people in prison by November
Part 1: All Christmas cards provided by EPA’s Prison Ministries & Restorative Justice Team and containing appropriate, signed messages of encouragement for people in prison must be returned to the EPA Conference office by Nov. 2 for vetting and delivery by team members. Learn more.
Part 2: Also, we will repeat last year’s collection of donated, unused, unsigned, Christmas cards (with blank envelopes) requested by the Philadelphia Prison System Chaplain. He wants to help incarcerated persons send Christmas greetings to loved ones on the outside. These cards cannot contain any glitter, stickers, foil or anything glued on as part of the design. Donated cards can be dropped off or shipped to the EPA Conference Office (P.O. Box 820, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0820) to the attention of “Prison Ministries,” by Nov. 28.
Also, you can buy and donate a box of Christmas cards designed by artists at Coal Township State Correctional Institution via the 5th Annual Inmates Art Show, sponsored by Hopewell UMC, Nov 3-12. Get 10 cards for $10. Learn more. Contact Marilyn Schneider for more information at [email protected].
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5. EPA Economic Justice Team members named
Bishop John Schol has named 10 lay and clergy members to the EPA Conference’s Economic Justice Team, continuing the accountability work of A Path towards Wholeness, an initiative approved by the 2022 Annual Conference. The team also includes two EPA staff as advisory persons:
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Economic Justice Team Members: Annie Kingcade, Wilhelmina Young and the Revs. Eric Carr, Alicia Julia-Stanley, Lisa DePaz, Tamie Scalise, Will Brawner, Mark Terry, Kia Lockman and Greg Impink.
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Advisory: Members: The Revs. Evelyn Kent Clark, Dean of Cabinet; and Dawn Taylor-Storm, Director of Connectional Ministries.
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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. From Ashes to Rebirth: Centralia UMC’s legacy alive
On a gorgeous afternoon, Oct. 22, about 50 people gathered in the sanctuary of Zion UMC in Aristes for the “From Ashes to Rebirth” event. They celebrated the legacy of Centralia UMC, which was closed in the early 1980’s due to an unrelenting, underground mine fire. They celebrated its life-giving investment in what now is Exton UMC. Learn more.
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1. Ukraine a top priority for Global Ministries
Disaster response, immigration also receive board’s support
“We are the global United Methodist Church,” proclaimed New York Area Bishop Thomas Bickerton, president of both the Council of Bishops and the United Methodist Committee on Relief. As evidence, UMCOR has granted so far more than $17 million given by UMs to help the people of Ukraine cope with Russia’s invasion; and more funds are promised. And it will increase by $3.9 million its funding for U.S. conference disaster response programs in 2023.
The agency’s governing Board of Global Ministries also renamed its national Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) ministry. It will now be the Immigration Law and Justice Network. EPA has a JFON partnership with the Greater New Jersey and Peninsula-Delaware conferences, offering free or low-cost legal assistance and hospitality to immigrants in our region. Learn more. Also read “As JFON’s immigration cases grow, so does its need for help.”
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2. New vice chancellor fulfills calling at Africa University
Africa University in Zimbabwe on Oct. 22 celebrated 30 years as an institution supported by our UMC-apportioned giving. It also welcomed the Rev. Peter Mageto as its first non-Zimbabwean top leader. He wants to prepare more graduates, especially women, to become leaders for the denomination across Africa. Dr. Mageto, with a PhD in theological ethics, is the university’s fifth vice chancellor. Learn more.
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3. Churches urged to speak out against mass incarceration
Attendees of the Oct. 19-22 National Summit on Mass Incarceration, in Charlotte, N.C., were urged to go back into their churches and communities and open conversations about ways they can work toward criminal justice reform. Read story
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4. New series looks at many facets of anti-racism
In its new “What Is?” series, the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race offers a compilation of concise definitions, examples and biblical/theological foundations to create common vocabulary for Christians engaging in anti-racism work. Topics addressed include ableism, cultural bias and gaslighting. View resource
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5. Podcasts offer diverse views on church’s core values, truths
The TMF and Wesleyan Investive leadership team presents Igniting Imagination, a 6th season of podcasts, co-hosted by Lisa Greenwood, president, and the Rev. Gil Rendle. They discuss with guests from diverse theological perspectives what core values and truths to carry forward and include in the future church. Both Greenwood and Rendle led popular webinars on Zoom for EPA in 2020-2021. Guests include Bishops Will Willimon (Retired) and Gregory Palmer. Learn more.
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Calling all UM Men to meet, help elect new officers Sunday, 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].
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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.
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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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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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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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