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September 16, 2022

Transformational leaders

Latino Commission retreats serve leaders of all ages 

Bendiciones y la paz de Dios en nuestros corazones. Es de sumo gozo reiniciar nuestro retiro anual de la Comisión Latina. (Blessings and the peace of God in our hearts. It is with great joy that we resume our annual Latino Commission retreat.)

 

Thus begins the invitation to Latino clergy and lay missioners by Eastern PA’s Latino Commission as it resumes its annual retreat for spiritual renewal, delayed in recent years by Covid. The free weekend retreat will happen Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. The commission also sponsored a Hispanic Youth Leadership Retreat August 27, where youth from four EPA Latino churches learned principles and practices of good leadership. Learn more. 

Welcome to Spotlight, offering online video courses

EPA introduces Spotlight, our new online learning management system (LMS), offering valuable teaching and training courses via recorded video to spotlight various topics that are important to discipleship and leadership development. Through a partnership with the West Virginia Conference and its UM Foundation, we are excited to provide a growing list of valuable e-Learning opportunities more efficiently. You’ll even be able to track your online learning progress and receive continuing education certificates through Spotlight. Learn more and register to get started. 

Christian Education Sunday is Sept. 18

Also, join in Advent planning workshop on Zoom, Oct. 3

“I have LOTS of suggestions!” That was Elizabeth Christie’s enthusiastic response to a request for Christian education ideas and resources in preparation for Christian Education Sunday, Sept. 18. The education director at Fritz UMC in Bethlehem sent us a treasure trove of links to planning guides, websites with information and games, articles and publications. Plus, she will offer EPA churches a free, interactive Advent planning workshop for children’s and family ministries on Monday, Oct. 3, from 7 to 8:30 PM on Zoom. Learn more.

More things you should know...

1.  Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebramos mes nacional de la herencia hispana 

National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually Sept. 15-Oct. 15, highlights the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic-Americans—specifically those whose ancestors came from the Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico and Spain. Communities honor the achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans with festivals and educational activities. Learn more and see resources.

2.  Wesley UMC Bethlehem Grief Group - Begins October 6 

Wesley UMC Bethlehem invites anyone journeying through a season of grief to join its eight-week long grief workshop and support group on Thursday evenings beginning Oct. 6. "Unless I Walk Through," a title inspired by Psalm 23, will aid those participating in person or online “in their walk through grief.” A $45 fee pays for materials, and scholarships are available upon request. To register, contact Bill at 601-217-1070, or visit the Solace Counseling website.  

3.  Ann Jacob among UMs elected to WCC central committee 

KARLSRUHE, Germany — The World Council of Churches 11th Assembly elected two United Methodists as members of the ecumenical organization’s central committee. Bishop Sally Dyck, the Council of Bishops ecumenical officer, and the Rev. Ann Jacob, a pastor in Edmonds, Washington, will serve on the 150-member committee that acts as the main decision-making body for the World Council of Churches between assemblies. Jacob, a former youth leader in EPA, is the daughter of the Rec. Christopher Kurien. See list of members (PDF). See photos from the WCC Assembly.

4.  Celebrating the call of United Methodists 

Following God's call to transform the world might seem impossible, but it's a reality for United Methodists. The denomination's global connection provides and supports a wide variety of robust ministries — from health care to education to social justice — that change and save lives every day. A new, downloadable video from United Methodist Communications celebrates that call. Watch video 

5.   Laity Sunday: Rise Up and Testify to God’s Grace!  

Laity Sunday is observed on the third Sunday in October (October 16, 2022). Each year The United Methodist Church celebrates the ministry and witness of laypersons everywhere through a special service. The Greater New Jersey Conference's Breakthrough Resource is offering a Laity Sunday Sermon Series resource for your use to celebrate with your congregations. Read more about the history of Laity Sunday

6.  Church must address property issues in net-zero effort 

For the environment, underused United Methodist Church buildings are "a growing disaster," and churches and conferences should be assessing their impacts. The Rev. Dr. Thomas Edward Frank and Rick Reinhard write that the most significant step The United Methodist Church could take to reduce its carbon footprint would be to reuse or redevelop its underused real estate. Read commentary 

7.  Halting discrimination against Deaf and hard-of-hearing 

Audism is an “-ism” that many have not heard of, acknowledges the Rev. Dr. Leo Yates Jr. Simply put, it means discrimination against people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. Yates suggests ways churches can help combat audism, and he offers examples of United Methodist churches from Texas to the Philippines that are finding ways to include Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Read commentary 

8.  Agency seeks ethnic panel volunteers 

United Methodist Communications is seeking people in leadership roles within local UM churches to participate in upcoming ethnic leader panel discussions. Panelists will be invited to take part in online surveys and focus groups throughout the year. People may volunteer for the agency's Latino leader and/or Black leader panels. Additional panels will be introduced soon. Learn more.

9.  Seeing aging congregations as a gift 

Many United Methodist pastors are serving congregations where most members are in their senior years. "For so long, we have bemoaned the aging of the church," writes the Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter. "But I have a different take on it now." Read commentary

10.  National summit on mass incarceration, Oct. 19-22, Charlotee, NC

More than 70 million Americans have some kind of record that impedes their access to employment, housing, occupational licensing and educational opportunities. There is a growing national movement to help people who have had criminal justice involvement get their lives back on track through expungement, the legal process of clearing someone’s criminal record. Expungement policy varies widely from state to state. 


Attend the National Summit on Mass Incarceration, Oct. 19-22, in Charlotte, NC, and leave with a toolkit, first hand knowledge and best practices on how your church can be a beacon of hope for formerly incarcerated citizens. Register now at www.prisonsummit.com.

11.  'When People Don't Care' free webinar, Sept. 22

Right Now Media will host this free webinar discussion about Apathy in the Church, led by Ben Stuart, author and pastor of Passion City Church, Washington, DC, Sept. 22, at 1-2 PM. Many congregations struggle with attendance, recruiting volunteers and reaching out to the next generation. Recent research shows the single greatest problem many pastors face is people’s apathy or lack of commitment. Ben Stuart will field questions from viewers to help ministry leaders address that problem. Register. The recorded webinar will be emailed to registrants after the live event.  

Reminders...

Visit our EPA Events page to get involved

You can learn or be reminded of many upcoming, important EPA Conference events. Visit our Events page and see its colorful array of event announcements—including workshops, retreats, dialogues, book studies, hands-on mission work and more. The Eastern PA Conference is a vibrant, living organism that survives and thrives in community, as we gather and grow together. Why not register for a potentially life-changing event today. 

Christmas Cards for People in Prison 

EPA Christmas Cards for People in Prison program, through which we can help incarcerated persons experience God’s love, returns this year from Sept 9 to Nov. 2. Learn more. 

October Book Club explores On Vanishing, about dementia

The next Learning for Leaders book study, weekly on October 5, 12, 19, & 26, will be On Vanishing: Mortality, Dementia and What It Means to Disappear, authored by the Rev. Lynn Casteel Harper, who has studied and ministered among people living with dementia. Harper will co-lead the study with the Rev. Karen Bartkowski, Pastoral Ministries Coordinator and Chaplain at Maris Grove Senior Living in Glen Mills. . Learn more and register.

By Water & the Spirit: Theology & Practice of Baptism returns Oct. 1 & 15

EPA’s Board of Ordained Ministry will again offer the course By Water & the SpiritTheology & Practice of Baptism on Zoom on two Saturdays, Oct. 1 & 15, at 9 to 11:30 AM. Register by Sept. 23. 0.6 CEUs will be offered for completion of both sessions. Instructors: Revs. Gary Knerr, of Grove UMC, and Candy LaBar, of Wesley UMC Bethlehem. 

Body and Soul: The Trauma of Domestic Violence, Oct. 21-22

During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October the Eastern PA Conference Domestic Violence Committee will explore the physical, emotional and social impacts of trauma related to domestic violence. The weekend training event on Zoom, October 21-22—on Friday, 7-9 PM, and Saturday, 9 AM -12:30 PM—will feature presentations, discussions and workshops led by resource experts, advocates, and survivors, plus the offering of an original poem inspired by and composed for the occasion. Learn more. 

Courageous Dialogues begin Oct. 24

EPA Conference members will engage in Courageous Dialogues to share their stories with one another in multiple sessions at EPA Camp & Retreat Centers. Approved at the 2022 Annual Conference (Resolution 2022-09: Building Fellowship in the Face of Division), the dialogues are intended to create sacred space where clergy and laity can “build trust and understanding by listening and hearing one another one-on-one.” 



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.” Learn more and register

Grow your Youth Ministry at the IGNITE 2022 Conference Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, 

The Greater New Jersey Conference’s IGNITE fall youth event—open to EPA youth and youth ministry leaders, too—will offer ideas, tools and inspiration to help you start, rebuild and grow a youth ministry. The IGNITE Conference, Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, in Wildwood, NJ, is a great opportunity for students grades 6-12 to connect with God and each other, grow in their faith and become leaders in their church, their community and beyond.   Register today 

Good News!

Have Good News to share?

Email communications@epaumc.church to let us know! And please send us your news of church events and church mission efforts.


Also, visit our Local Church Events page and our Churches in Mission page. 

Calendar

SEPT. 26: Project Restoration Youth Day of Service – South DistrictRegister.


SEPT. 30 – 10/2:  Latino Commission Pastor’s Retreat | Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center | Learn More


OCT. 1 & 15: By Water & the Spirit: Theology & Practice of Baptism | 9 AM – 11:30 AM | Zoom | Register by Sept. 23.


OCT. 3: Advent Preparation Workshop for Children’s & Family Ministries. Via Zoom. Learn more.


OCT. 5 - 26: “Learning for Leaders” October Book Club: On Vanishing | Wednesdays at 11 AM | October 5, 12, 19, 26 | Zoom | Register


OCT. 15: Advanced Sexual Ethics Workshop: Congregational Trauma, Resilience, and Healing, 9 AM – 12 noon, via Zoom. Register.


OCT. 15: United Women in Faith 9th Annual CelebrationMontgomery Square UMC North Wales. Learn more.


OCT. 21-22: Body and Soul: The Trauma of Domestic Violence. Learn more. 


OCT. 24: Courageous DialoguesInnabah Camp & Retreat Center (for South & East Districts combined). Register.


OCT. 24: Project Restoration Youth Day of Service. East District.  Register.


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

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