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November 25, 2024 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives"

Prayers of the People

We are grateful for you this Thanksgiving ...

The Workplace Chapel Organizing Project, part of the United Covenant Union, which is associated with the Baltimore-Washington Conference and the Wilmington Kitchen Collective of Riverfront Ministries in the Peninsula-Delaware Conference, have been awarded Human Relations Day grants from the General Board of Church and Society.

In response to government funding cuts for a local feeding center, the congregations of the Greater Hanock Council of Churches are working on ways to create a social center for seniors. See the Hancock News story.

The historic Barratt's Chapel in Frederica, Delaware, recently celebrated its 240th anniversary with a keynote address by Dr. Ashley Boggan-Dreff, the General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History. "When we look at our history," she said, "it becomes clear very quickly that, above all else, Methodists are persons who act. Our ecclesiology is designed, and our faith compels us, not toward opinions, but toward outward acts of love." Read the story.

Cyber code for savings on IGNITE and opportunity to give this Thanksgiving

In the days ahead, as we observe Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we're also giving thanks to God for you as we celebrate the possibilities for our youth that will be presented at IGNITE, on March 7-9 in Ocean City. From Thanksgiving Day through Monday, Dec. 2, we're offering a cyber code that will take $10 off the cost of each registration for this unique youth event. Redeem your cyber code and register.

Then, in a spirit of gratitude, we invite you and your church or youth group to observe Giving Tuesday, by contributing to a scholarship fund for those young people who might not have the funds to attend IGNITE. To give a donation, use this link. You will have a chance to gift one, two, three, or four registrations.

Learn more about IGNITE at igniteforyouth.com.

UMCOR Packing Event at Frostburg University

For the first time at Frostburg University, neighbors and friends are invited to pack 100 cleaning buckets and 250 hygiene kits to support survivors of Hurricanes Helene and Milton at Frostburg University on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register for this Conference-wide event. All are welcome!

Contribute materials using the Amazon list no later than Nov. 30. 

All questions should be directed to Disaster Response or Frostburg Campus Minister, Rev. Elijah Ferebee.

New and Featured Ministries

A Diverse Church by Design's next cohort will start on Jan. 18, 2025, at 9 a.m.

This proven online program is a biblically-based experimental approach to diversity and inclusion that develops ways to create God's Beloved Community where justice, equal opportunity, and love can embrace all. Learn more. Register by Dec. 31.

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.

The BWC Hispanic-Latino Ministries Committee invites you to join them for a plenary meeting on Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom. Together, we will learn more about the conference's restructuring plan and explore how we can mobilize to support and meet the needs of our immigrant siblings. Register.

El Comité de Ministerios Hispano-Latinos lo invita a unirsenos para nuestra reunión plenaria el 14 de diciembre, de 9 a.m. a 1 p.m. por Zoom. Juntos, aprenderemos más sobre el plan de reestructuración de la conferencia y exploraremos cómo podemos movilizarnos para apoyar y cumplir las necesidades de nuestros hermanxs inmigrantes. Regístrese aquí para asistir.

Clergywomen's Annual Luncheon: The Rev. Deb Scott reports that because of a scheduling issue, the clergywomen’s traditional Christmas luncheon will be held this year on Friday, Jan. 10, at a soon-to-be-determined place.

Plan to attend the next Training Tuesdays webinars from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 3 "Living Well: A Holistic Approach to a Balanced Life"

It’s beginning to look a lot like … a busy and stressful holiday season. As we approach another holiday season, join us for a Training Tuesday designed to help you prepare with "Living Well: A Holistic Approach to a Balanced Life." Learn more and register.

Dec. 10 "Leadership and Church Administration: Mastering Meeting Dynamics"

Teresa Holder, Professor of Communications and Head of the Department of Communications at Meredith College will lead an exploration of planning, structuring, and leading effective meetings. Learn more and register.

More Discipleship Opportunities

Grow and Serve: The Peninsula-Delaware Conference and Strengthening the Black Church will hold Gather to Grow, Scatter to Serve 2024 on Dec. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Centennial UMC, at 44 E. Mt. Vernon St. in Smyrna, Delaware. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Gary C. Miller, pastor of Pocomoke City Charge, and the guest speaker will be the Rev. Rich Walton, pastor of Woodside UMC. Register.

Join in a fun spiritual practice. Plan to participate in the denomination’s Advent Photo-a-Day 2024.

See a listing of more discipleship ministries and local church events

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

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