e-connection 10|23|2023

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October 23, 2023 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives"

Prayers of the People

The Rev. Don Stewart passed away peacefully at home Oct. 18 surrounded by his family. According to his wishes, his body was donated for medical teaching and research. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. The family appreciates everyone’s support and prayers. Condolences may be sent to his wife, the Rev. Ann Stewart, at 6656 Highview Terrace, Tracys Landing, MD 20779-2548.

Sherman Harris, a former BWC United Methodist Men president, died Oct. 17. He was an accomplished layman who served faithfully at the local church, conference, jurisdictional, and national levels. He is survived by his wife, Olivia Harris and sons Clayton, Terence, and Wayne. His celebration of life will be on Oct. 30, at Asbury UMC, in Washington, D.C. The visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Condolences may be sent to his son, Terence Harris, at 11508 Karen Drive, Potomac, MD, 20854.

We celebrate the Rev. Sherri Wood Powe and the Oak Chapel Hub which was honored last week as Montgomery County’s MidCounty Organization of the Year. See a story about their ministry.

We celebrate Jennifer Martin Johnson who recently completed EarthKeepers training. Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a program to train and support United Methodists in addressing local environmental concerns.

Take the next vital step in 'ministering in Malta'

Curiosity and innovation were among the themes of last week's Next Level Speaker Series where the Rev. Kenda Creasy Dean explored how the church today echoes Paul's shipwreck in Acts 27. How do we do "ministry in Malta" in this new cultural landscape with new people and new resources? See the story.

Those wishing to explore their next steps in engaging their community and growing in vitality as they do ministry in Malta are invited to participate in the Catalyst or Readiness Initiatives. Submit your Congregational Pathways Intent to Apply form by Wednesday, Nov. 1. The form is available in Arena. Learn more.

New and Featured

Issue 8 of The Bulletin, which includes Bishop Easterling's message on the Middle East and war, a look at Living and Loving like Jesus as a measure of vitality, and a message on family and faith, is now online.

Do you feel called to equip people to take on leadership roles in your church? The Training Tuesday webinar, on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m., will feature the Rev. Ken Willard teaching on creating a new leadership pathway. Leadership development in the local church, like discipleship, must be an intentional process. Wherever your ministry finds itself today, now is the time to take a step in growing the leaders of tomorrow. Learn more and register.

Young People's Ministry Training: Join other youth, children and family ministry staff and volunteers for a day of training and reflection on Nov. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the West River Center. Workshops will be led by Chris Sasser, author, podcast host, and pastor of Family Ministries for Port City Community Church in Wilmington, N.C. The morning focus will be on recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers. The afternoon will be about Intergenerational worship and ministry practices – creating ways to bring generations together for shared ministry. There will also be worship, small group work, lunch, and time for reflection. Registration, which closes Friday, Oct. 27, is $30 for church staff and $20 for volunteers.

The Fresh Expressions Academy launches on Nov. 4 and lasts for 12 months. The Academy will combine presentations, coaching, peer-to-peer discussions, immersion experiences, and an online group to facilitate the cultivation of Fresh Expressions. It is designed to equip clergy and laity to innovate and take risks to engage people who are not yet part of a faith community. See a video invitation from Rev. Michael Beck. Register.

Project Transformation DC is celebrating its seventh anniversary on Nov. 1 with a walk-a-thon. They are looking for people who are willing to commit to walking at least one mile a day, dedicated to PTDC, from Nov. 1-7. To make this a fundraiser, walkers will ask their networks of friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family to make a pledge or donation to PTDC for every mile they walk.

Discipleship Calendar -- At a Glance

Training Tuesday Webinar

Oct. 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Creating a Leadership Pathway with Ken Willard

Clergy Day Away

Oct. 26

Camp Manidokan

Discipleship Ministries Innovation Grant applications due

Nov. 1

Congregational Pathways Initiative intent to apply period

Deadline is Nov. 1

Fresh Expressions Academy

Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

View an invitation from Rev. Michael Beck, director of Fresh Expressions for The United Methodist Church

Young People's Ministry Training Day

Nov. 4, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

West River Center in Churchton

Children's Retreat

Nov. 10 - 12

West River Camp in Churchton

Deacon Information Session

Nov. 11, 1 p.m., online

Legislative Advocacy Training Day

Nov. 18, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mission Center in Fulton and online

Discipleship Opportunities

The BWC’s first children’s retreat will be held Friday, Nov. 10, through Sunday, Nov. 12, at West River Camp in Churchton. The retreat is aimed at 1st through 5th graders. Churches may bring a group with chaperones, and families can attend as a unit. There will be crafts, games, fellowship, camp activities, and worship. The cost is $120/child and $130/adult. Learn more and register.

Registration Extended: Diverse Church by Design, a cross-racial and cross-cultural leadership program that offers a biblically-based approach to diversity and inclusion, will help churches create God's Beloved Community where justice, equity and love prevail. Learn more and register by Oct. 25.

Deacon Information Session: An online exploration session for those wishing to learn what it means to be a United Methodist deacon will take place Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. Attendees will learn about the history of deacons and the role they play in the church, today. To learn more about the session, contact the Rev. Leo Yates. Register.

A Legislative Advocacy Training Day will be held Nov. 18 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mission Center in Fulton and online via Zoom. Register. The 2024 Legislative Advocacy Days for legislation in Maryland will be held Feb. 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Asbury UMC in Annapolis; for federal legislation on Sept. 18, 2024, and for D.C. legislation on Oct. 23, 2024.

Local Church events:

Community UMC in Crofton will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a weekend of activities and fellowship on Nov. 3, 4, and 5. Learn more.

Oakland UMC in Eldersburg will hold its annual Holiday Bazaar on Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mt. Olive UMC in Mt. Airy will hold a Country Breakfast, served buffet style, on Nov. 4 from 7 to 11 a.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10.

Glen Mar UMC in Ellicott City will host the 7th annual Jewels for Hope on Nov. 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This fundraising event will feature thousands of pieces of gently worn jewelry and scarves for sale. All proceeds benefit HopeWorks, Howard County’s Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center.

Wesley Grove UMC in Gaithersburg will hold a Holly Days Bazaar and Luncheon on Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Asbury UMC in Shepherdstown, W.Va., will hold a men's weekend breakfast and program with speaker Kenneth Willmore on Nov. 11 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. RSVP to 304-876-3112

Good Hope Union UMC in Silver Spring will host a fundraising gala on Nov. 18 from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets include dinner, entertainment and dancing. Proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund and the retirement of the mortgage.

Westminster UMC will host a "Night in Bethlehem," a dramatic Christmas event, on Dec. 8 and 9. Tours are scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Lessons in Leadership

Level Up is a video series that provides lessons in church leadership using best-selling secular writings by the Rev. Jack Shitama of the Center for Vital Leadership. This week, Shitama explores how to "Be Your Best: Balance Screens with Green."