Nov. 20, 2023 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives"

To allow our staff to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday,

we will not publish a Nov. 27 e-connection. We are grateful for you, our readers and all those who contribute to this publication. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Prayers of the People

Bishop LaTrelle Easterling offers her thanks for each of the members of the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Conferences in her message for the November issue of The Bulletin. Amid a year of hurt and shadows, United Methodists are "more than just a gathering of like-minded souls; we are family,” she wrote. “Your Christ-centered lives have made a difference in countless ways, and I am humbled by the love and support that permeates our communities. … You are a testament to the power of unity and faith, reaffirming our belief in the goodness of Almighty God. Thank you!”

The Rev. Kathy Lossau, a clergyperson in the Baltimore-Washington Conference, passed away on Nov. 19. We remember her life and ministry with joy and gratitude.

Christine Keels, the wife of the Rev. Bernard Keels, died Oct. 7. She was an active United Methodist, serving in the conference and as an author, orator, community organizer and advocate for children.

The Rev. Robert Hottinger, a retired Elder in the Baltimore-Washington Conference, died Nov. 10. Condolences may be sent to his wife Pam Hottinger at 2561 Glenkirk Drive, Burlington, NC 27215.

A large gay pride flag was ripped off the side of Bethesda UMC last week. “It was like a punch in the stomach,” said children’s minister Dennis Williams. Read the story from WTOP.

United Methodists gathered at the Mission Center on Saturday to learn more about legislative advocacy and the priorities coming before the Maryland legislature this winter.

Read the story and learn more about health care, preventing gun violence and ways United Methodists can make a difference in the public square.

Christmas cards support Quality of Life retreats ministry

The BWC’s Quality of Life Committee, which educates, supports and empowers people living with HIV/AIDS, is offering Christmas cards for sale to support this life-giving ministry.

Four designs were created by Quality of Life Retreats Board of Directors member Nancy I. Foltz, each in a box of 12 for $15. Order the cards by emailing the Rev. T.R. Chattin at trchattin@gmail.com.  Learn more.

The BWC's Committee on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) will hold Zoom listening sessions for clergy parents on Monday, Nov. 27, at 2 p.m.  Sign up for the event. If you are unable to attend, but would like to share your experiences or concerns confidentially with COSROW, email co-chair the Rev. Kate Mackereth Fulton.

The Rev. Chris Holmes will hold a Holiday Fine Arts Show, featuring a collection of 30 watercolors and prints, on Dec. 4 from 1-4 p.m. at the Arts Lab of South County, 312 Deale Road in Tracys Landing. See his work. Learn more.

On Nov. 28, Training Tuesday will explore "Toward Better Meetings: Crafting Meaningful Discussions, Decisions and Change." Are you tired of attending meetings where you accomplish nothing and repeat the same conversations? Time is valuable and meeting to meet is not what anyone wants. The church council has a vital responsibility to steward the vision and mission of the local church. This Training Tuesday will provide some helpful resources to better use your time and resources as a council (or any church leadership team). Recommended especially for chairs of committees and anyone who is a regular part of church meetings. Learn more and register.

Those Elders sensing a call to the episcopacy are invited to begin the process to be considered as a nominee from the Baltimore-Washington Conference. Before Nov. 30, candidates should send a statement of call, biographical information and responses to the essential qualities list from the delegation to the Rev. Ianther Mills at delegation@bwcumc.org. Learn more.

The BWC Clergywomen's Christmas lunch will be held Dec. 4 at the Morningside Inn in Frederick. For more information, contact the Rev. Debbie Scott.

Violence in the Deaf Community: On Dec. 17 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church of the Deaf, the Deaf Shalom Zone will welcome Deaf Dawn to help participants learn to recognize elder abuse, financial abuse and domestic violence within the Deaf Community.



The Rev. Leo Yates will lead a "Signing for the Holidays" workshop via Zoom on Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. For more information or to request an accommodation, contact lyates@bwcumc.org. Register.

Local Church Activities:

• Calvary UMC in Annapolis is hosting a retreat for youth groups at West River Jan. 19 - 21. Intended for young people in grades 5 - 12, youth groups should register together. Meals, lodging, large and small group sessions, music, fellowship and worship are included. The cost is $140/person or $120 for early registration. Reach out to youthdirector@calumc.org with questions or to register.

• Glen Mar UMC in Ellicott City will host its annual Journey to Bethlehem, a free outdoor Christmas experience for the whole family on Nov. 30, and Dec. 1, 2, and 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. Reservations are required. A daytime sensory-friendly walk will be offered on December 2.

• The United Methodist Men of Pikeside UMC in Martinsburg, W.Va. will host a take-out meatloaf dinner on Dec. 1 starting at 4 p.m. Each dinner is $8, Pre-ordering is highly recommended by calling the church office at 304-263-4633.

• Liberty Grove UMC in Burtonsville will host a pancake Brunch with St. Nick for kids on Dec. 3, immediately following the 10 a.m. worship service.

• Westminster UMC will host "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.

• Charlie Moore and the ZIM VIM team at Community UMC in Crofton are recruiting 16 members to join them on their next mission journey to Zimbabwe. The planning meeting is on Dec. 15. Contact Charlie Moore at 410-703-3557 to further explore your potential interest. Learn more about this extensive and exciting ministry.

• Lovely Lane UMC in Baltimore is hosting a Share the Warmth event with a one-man performance about the birth of Jesus with music and poetry on Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. Admission is a new or gently used hat, scarf or mittens or a love offering to share with Manna House.

• Lanham UMC in Lanham will host a Christmas Concert, featuring the Moye’ Ensemble of the DMV and Koinonia choir with special guests, on Dec. 16 at 3 p.m.

• St. John's UMC of Baltimore City, 27th on St. Paul St., celebrated its 195th anniversary on Nov. 12.

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 "Four Way Humor Can Make You a Better Leader."

Camp Manidokan is seeking a Program Director with a creative and caring spirit to develop high-quality programming.

Learn more.

See church classified ads now online.