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November 4, 2024 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives"

Prayers of the People

Dr. Janelle Goetcheus, a lifelong United Methodist and one of the founders of Christ House, a residential medical facility for unhoused people in Washington, died Oct. 25. She was the wife of the Rev. Allen Goetcheus, who served in extension ministry at Christ House. A memorial service will be held at noon on Nov. 16. in the Notre Dame Chapel at Trinity Washington University. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m.

For United Methodists seeking a prayerful approach to politics, the denomination offers an hourly prayer guide for the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election Day, a tool for congregations and individuals to engage in prayer.

United Methodists called to vote on Nov. 5

As Americans go to the polls on Nov. 5, United Methodists are promoting civic engagement. "People of faith are called to lift their voices and bodies to pray, create spaces for free and civil discourse and continue to be stewards of justice," said Bishop LaTrelle Easterling. Read her message.

The BWC is also offering a number of resources to assist churches during the election season, including how congregations can be ready for incidents of civil disobedience or violence that might arise. See Election 2024 and the Church's Witness.

Several United Methodist churches will open for prayer during election week. See a list of these churches and their offerings.

Coop's Soup serves up belonging and hope

One of the most vital Fresh Expressions being lived out in the denomination is Coop's Soup, created by Cristin Cooper, of Brookville. Cooper is changing lives with the simple question: What if belonging could come in a bottle? Her creative ministry and details of how she is building community one bowl of soul at a time were recently featured in the Fresh Expressions podcast. Learn more.

Partners join Nov. 14 to interupt violence

Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling will be one of the speakers at the Interrupting Violence Together Interfaith Solutions Forum on Thursday, Nov. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 9705 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller will also be a special guest. Register.

"Fellowship and unity can illuminate the path to a stronger, more connected Maryland. In times when division feels overwhelming, our shared values have the power to heal, inspire, and guide us toward a Maryland rooted in peace, compassion, and empathy,” Aruna said.

Bishop Easterling also oversees Seeds of Security, a nonprofit network committed to educating, advocating, resourcing, and providing a safe haven for survivors of Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence.

New and Featured Ministries

Trauma-Informed Youth Ministry: The Baltimore Metropolitan District and St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute are holding a transformative workshop series on trauma-informed care and intergenerational engagement in youth ministry on Nov. 9 at the seminary in Baltimore. From 9 a.m. to noon, the focus will be on Intergenerational Engagement in Youth Ministry with Jeff Anderson and Pat Fosarelli. From 1 to 4 p.m., the theme will be Trauma-Informed Care For Young People and their Families with Deborah G. Haskins and Pat Fosarelli. Register.

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.
• Nov. 19: The Work of the Local Trustees
• Dec. 3: Living Well: Clergy Health and Wellbeing
• Dec. 10: The Work of the Church Council   

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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