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November 11, 2024 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives"

Prayers of the People

Carroll A. Doggett, the oldest Elder in the Baltimore-Washington Conference, died Nov. 1. A memorial service will be held at the Events Center at the Homewood Retirement Center at 500 Pearson Circle in Frederick on Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. Read an article about him from his 101^st birthday celebration. Read a tribute from his family.

We pray for the congregation of Christ UMC in Columbia, which on Nov. 18 will celebrate 50 years of vital ministry. The church is celebrating many milestones, like the fact that the founding pastor of the church, the Rev. Mary Kraus, was only the second clergywoman to serve in the annual conference. Other noteworthy achievements in this justice-minded congregation include welcoming civil rights leader Rosa Parks to worship in the 1980s and becoming a reconciling congregation in 1997.

An Invitation to IGNITE

Register today for IGNITE! All pastors are invited to bring the youth and youth leaders from their churches to IGNITE, a new kind of youth conference, March 7-9 in Ocean City. IGNITE is a discipleship pathway designed to help youth grow deeper in their faith. Early bird pricing for the event has been extended to Friday, Nov. 15. Learn more and register.

Congregational Pathways lead to vitality

A vital church makes a real difference in its community. So, we ask: What mark are we making as Christ-followers to help others live fully in Christ? To help you discern your next faithful step, we’re offering two Congregational Pathways. Both pathways aim to lead us from our current reality to God’s place of vitality, though the process may be messy and challenging. This is not a quick fix, but a transformational journey.

The Intent to Apply process closes on November 15. Join us on this journey toward the fullness of life God has for you, your congregation, and our community. Learn more.

New and Featured Ministries

If you want to learn how the 12 steps of recovery, the Bible, and even 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. Learn more. To express interest in joining, contact Loomis at kathy.loomis@belongchurch.org.

Training Tuesday: Over the past six years, thousands of United Methodists have participated in this Zoom-based training to equip clergy and laity for leadership. Upcoming webinars include:

• Nov. 12: Your Church Doesn’t Need More Volunteers (Nominations) with Rev. Bill Brown, Director of Innovative Evangelism. Learn more and register.
• Dec. 10: "Leadership and Church Administration: Mastering Meeting Dynamics", with Dr. Teresa Holder, Head of the Department of Communication at Meredith College. Register

Step into Methodist history: The Strawbridge Shrine in New Windsor will hold its annual Advent worship with a service of traditional lessons and carols at 4 p.m. on Dec. 1 and Dec. 8. The historic log meeting house dates back to 1760. There is limited seating and guests with reservations will be seated first. Guests are invited to dress warmly, as it was cold in 1760. Reserve your seats.

Earthkeepers

The denomination’s EarthKeepers ministry trains and supports United Methodists to address environmental concerns. On Nov. 19 at 8 p.m., four Earthkeepers from the Baltimore-Washington Conference will be commissioned: Rev. Andre Briscoe, Katherine Martin, Elizabeth Stemley, and Clorie Tildon. See the commissioning livestreamed.

More Discipleship Opportunities

On Fire … or Burned Out? Clergy Renewal Day - November 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Calvary UMC in Annapolis

During this day of renewal and self-care, led by physician-theologian Dr. Pat Fosarelli, pastors will learn the difference between good stress and bad stress, how bad stresses affect people physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and what they can do to address their reaction to stress. In addition to the presentations, there will be time for solitude, prayer, and conversations with others experiencing similar challenges. Register by November 13.

Boost Church Fundraising: Your church’s story can inspire and attract vital support! Join the Lunch & Learn with the Rev. Romal Tune on Nov. 13 at noon to master storytelling techniques that can boost fundraising and amplify your mission’s impact. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock greater donations and learn how storytelling can bring your mission to life.

Strengthening the Black Church 21 will host an online Lunch and Learn at 1 p.m. on Nov. 21 that focuses on how artificial Intelligence can help reimagine, repurpose, and revitalize your congregation.

Advent resource: Dr. Walter Brueggemann and Global Health Ministries have partnered to offer free Advent resources. His insights and theological reflections weave together the story of Elisha, the witness of Jesus and our call as the church to be good neighbors.

See a listing of more discipleship ministries and and local church events

Learn more about 100% of churches at 100% vitality.

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