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January 6, 2025 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives"

Due to inclement weather, the BWC Mission Center in Fulton is closed today.

The Rev. Dr. Kathleen Charters, a retired deacon in the Baltimore-Washington Conference, died on Jan. 2. She was in hospice care in Sequim, WA. A memorial service will be held in Sequim in late spring or early summer. Condolences can be sent to her spouse, Lawrence Charters, PO Box 399, Sequim, WA 98382.

As the nation mourns the loss of former President Jimmy Carter, United Methodists are remembering how his faith shaped his presidency and his work building Habitat for Humanity homes, helping to end guinea worm disease and fostering peace worldwide. See a story from UMNS. See a letter from the United Methodist Council of Bishops.

The Rev. Ralph D. Posey, 94, a retired Elder in the Baltimore-Washington Conference, died on Dec. 19. A pastor for more than 50 years, he served in several churches in the BWC and as a district superintendent from 1986 to 1992. A celebration of life ceremony will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to The Good Samaritan Fund, c/o The Estates at Carpenters, 1001 Carpenters Way, Lakeland FL 33809.

On behalf of the people of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, the Council on Finance and Administration has contributed $50,000 to the United Methodist Committee on Relief to support ongoing relief and recovery efforts following devastating hurricanes earlier this year throughout the southeastern United States.

Clear Openings posted as clergy appointments begin

As Bishop LaTrelle Easterling and the Cabinet begin to make clergy appointments, a list of clear opening church profiles are being posted online.

A Clear Opening church is one that will receive a new pastor this year due to the retirement, death, or appointment of their current pastor to another mission field. Interested clergy are invited to review these openings and apply for an appointment to one or more of the congregations using the application form, which is in the sidebar of the appointments webpage. The applications are used as an additional resource in the traditional appointment process. See the clear opening list for the BWC. See an FAQ on the appointment process and clear openings.

New and Featured Ministries

Open Chapel: Capitol Hill UMC, at 5^th St. and Steward Square, SE in Washington, D.C., is opening its doors for the People’s March on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for those who wish to use the bathrooms, have snacks and coffee, or find a place for prayer and rest. The church will also be open on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Recovery Bible Study: "If you want to learn how the 12 steps of recovery, the Bible, and the theology of John Wesley can be studied together, you’ll want to join a new small group opportunity beginning Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m. The year-long Recovery Bible Study is being led by Deaconesses Kathy Loomis, the author of the curriculum, and Colleen Moskov. The 75-minute, bi-weekly, confidential study is open to everyone. For more information or to express interest in joining, contact Loomis.

The Strawbridge Shrine Association will hold its annual meeting on Jan. 18 at Wards Chapel UMC in Randallstown at 9:30 a.m. The Rev. Bonnie McCubbin, the BWC Director of Museums and Pilgrimage, will be the guest speaker. The Shrine's vice president, the Rev. Bob Kells, will give a presentation on Jacob Toogood, believed to be the first licensed black preacher in Methodism. RSVP by Wednesday, Jan. 15.

Resolutions to be considered at the 2025 session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference are due Feb. 14 to Kevin Silberzahn, the BWC Secretary. Learn more. The session will be held May 13-15 at the Hilton Hotel in Baltimore.

Clergywomen's Luncheon: Because of the weather, there will be no Clergywomens' Lunch on Friday, Jan. 10, unless things clear and you can make it to the Dogfish Alehouse in Gaithersburg at 11:30. Please call the Rev. Deb Scott at 301-641-4601 for reservations. Save the date for the next lunch, to be held Dec. 1, 2025, at the Outta the Way Cafe in Derwood.

See a listing of more discipleship ministries and local church events

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