November 3, 2025 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives" | | |
We pray for Rev. Victor Sawyer and his family as they grieve the death of Rev. Sawyer's wife, Sylvia Matilda Sawyer, who died on November 1. Condolences may be sent to Janice Sawyer at 240-515-8510, Johnny Williams at 301-326-8471, or Victoria Williams at 301-455-5230.
Our prayers are with Kathi Jeffra, whose beloved husband, Michael Jeffra, died on October 31. Please keep Kathi, her family, and the members of the Deaf Shalom Zone in your prayers. Condolences may be sent to Kathi Jeffra at her home: 204 E. Cherry Hill Road, Reisterstown, MD 21136.
We pray for Rev. Lester Justice of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference, his daughter, Amber, and their entire family as they grieve the loss of Rev. Justice's wife, Wanda Justice, who died on October 26. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday, November 8, at New Dimensions Ministries, 1907 Jersey Road, Salisbury, MD 21801. There will be a viewing at 9 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m. Condolences may be sent to Rev. Justice and his family, 4546 Pheasant Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804.
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We invite prayer for the people of the Caribbean, particularly Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and nearby islands, as they are facing injuries, destruction, and death of loved ones as a result of Hurricane Melissa. To turn your prayer into action, consider giving to the UMCOR Hurricane Melissa response efforts. Select "IDR - Hurricane Melissa" when asked to choose your preferred gift designation.
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The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church will meet Nov. 3-7, to canvass constitutional amendments passed at the 2024 General Conference, prepare for the 2026 COB Leadership Gathering, and to elect new officers. Read the press release.
On October 30, Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling released a letter
inviting every congregation in the Baltimore-Washington Conference to take part
in a global United Methodist Church initiative: Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully,
Lead Courageously and Miracle Sunday. This six-week, post-Easter emphasis will unite 30,000 congregations worldwide in prayer, worship, and giving to support
theological education for clergy across Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. Read the letter.
When a local board game group lost its meeting place, Rev. Matthew Tate of Hollywood UMC opened the church doors. This example of church vitality resulted in dozens gathering weekly for games and connection. Some have joined worship, supported missions, and built a community sparked by hospitality and a willingness to use church space for good. Read the story.
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Send us your church vitality story.
Is your church finding ways to meet community needs? We want to hear about it.
Email us at communications@bwcumc.org.
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Global Missions Fellow (GMF) Application is now open. The application period for the GMF 2026-2028 cohort is October 1, 2025, through January 14, 2026. Please help spread the word to young adults who feel called to serve or are discerning their call. Eligible applicants are confessing Christians, committed to advocating for social justice, and between the ages of 20 and 30. All who meet these criteria are invited to apply.
For more information, please contact: MAYAMS@umcmission.org.
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Training Tuesdays' November lineup is full of helpful resources:
- November 4: SPRC Training
- November 18: Local Church Insurance: Trends and Best Practices
- November 25: Local Church Finance Update
Learn more and register. Download flyer.
| | Registration for Wesley Theological Seminary’s online Spring 2026 Health Minister Certificate is now open till January 24, 2026. The certificate allows participants to understand the basic foundations of health ministry – a ministry that integrates body, mind, and spirit. Partial and full scholarships are available. If you are interested in partnering with Wesley for Health Minister Certificate Scholarships, please e-mail Tom Pruski for more information. | | In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) | | |
The BWC United Women in Faith Social Action Coordinators and the Charter for Racial Justice Committee are partnering with the BWC Advocacy and Action Board to host a one-day Social Principles & Advocacy 101 Seminar on Saturday, November 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Calvary UMC in Annapolis. Download the flyer.
| | Deacon Exploration Session: This event is for ordained candidates and others exploring Deacon's Orders. This virtual event is scheduled for November 15 at 10 a.m. Register on Zoom. Contact Rev. Leo Yates with any accommodation requests. | | |
Registration is LIVE for the IGNITE Conference in Ocean City
Too many of our young people feel disconnected, unseen, and uncertain of their worth in a divided world. IGNITE 2026 responds with "belong" - a theme that grounds youth in their identity as God’s beloved, equips them to embrace their own sacred worth, and calls them into a just and loving community with others.
"You belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.”
– 1 Corinthians 3:23
Early bird pricing ends November 17. Learn more and register.
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You’re invited to join Intergenerational Worship Listening Sessions, November 8–11, where clergy, children’s ministry leaders, and caregivers will share hopes, challenges, and best practices for nurturing children’s spiritual growth through worship and prayer. These 60-minute gatherings will help shape resources and practices that welcome children as full and vital participants in the life of the church. Learn more. Sign up.
| | Six young adult women ages 18-35 (one per district) will receive full sponsorship to attend the 2026 United Women in Faith Assembly, including travel and registration. Don’t miss this chance to connect, worship, and grow in leadership. Learn more. Email Kim Walker by December 31 to request to be nominated as one of the six women sponsored. | | Join us for our Annual Confirmation Pilgrimages on Sunday, March 8, 2026 and Saturday, April 18, 2026. You will see four historic sites and learn about your Methodist Roots. New this year: Junior Circuit Rider Program and interactive touch boxes. Please RSVP to Rev. Bonnie McCubbin. Groups are limited to 40 people from multiple churches. | | Featured Resource: Connect Leadership Summit | | |
Connect Leadership Summit will be held on February 7, 2026, at 9 a.m. Similar to the church leadership events of the past (BWC's Leadership Days and PDC's The Well), the Connect Leadership Summit is designed to spark creativity and inspire lay and clergy to transform lives, churches, and communities. This year’s theme, "Living Water," invites us to return to the source, to Jesus, who offers water that quenches our deepest thirst and flows through us to nourish others. Early bird registration is available until December 15. Learn more and register.
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Submissions?
Alison Burdett, Interim Director of Communications
11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759
410.309.3428 | aburdett@bwcumc.org
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