Nov. 6, 2023 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives"

Prayers of the People

The Rev. Dr. Maceo Williams, a retired Elder in the BWC, died Oct. 20. A viewing will be held on Friday, Nov. 10, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Vaughn Greene Funeral Services in Randallstown. A homegoing celebration in honor of the Rev. Dr. Williams is scheduled for Nov. 11 at Union Memorial UMC in Baltimore. Friends are invited to join the family for a viewing between 9 and 10 a.m., followed by the Pi Omega service at 10 a.m. The homegoing service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Following the services, there will be a repast, and at 1 p.m., everyone will depart for the internment at Arbutus Memorial Park.

Gloria W. Hutchins, the widow of the late Rev. Joshua Hutchins, died Oct. 26. A celebration of life will be held Nov. 14 at Asbury UMC in Washington, D.C. The visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Asbury UMC-Joshua Hutchins Endowment Fund.

James McCray, the husband of the Rev. Dr. Irance Reddix-McCray, died Oct. 24. Services were held Nov. 4. Condolences may be sent to Rev. Reddix-McCray, pastor of New Waverly UMC, at  3317 Kenjac Raod, Windsor Mill, MD 21244.

Discerning how to restructure BWC's districts

The Baltimore-Washington Conference is embarking upon an exciting opportunity to restructure its current configuration of districts and is seeking your insights. Today a short survey is being sent out to church and conference leaders. You are encouraged to assist in the discernment process by completing the survey.  

Even before the pandemic, the BWC was confronted with the reality of decreasing church attendance and membership, as well as natural church closures. With a superintendent retiring and an opening for a district administrator, the time could not be more perfect to research, assess and prayerfully discern whether our current eight-district configuration still serves us well. This restructuring also aligns with our Missional Action Plan, which seeks to empower 100% of our churches to reach 100% vitality. See a video with Bishop LaTrelle Easterling about the restructuring process.

Kent named new Property with Purpose Coordinator

The Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Conferences welcome Lucinda “Cindy” Kent as the new Property with Purpose Coordinator and leader of the new P² MAP team. She brings with her a wealth of ministry, trustee and real estate experience, including as an active consultant with the former Greater Washington District Affordable Housing Committee. This position was originally conceived as a need from that committee’s growing portfolio, and church needs.

The Property with Purpose Coordinator is responsible for supporting the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Conferences by advising congregations and other entities in their efforts to leverage property for God’s preferred future while working collaboratively with their communities.

If you are interested in serving on the P²MAP Team or if you have questions about using church property assets to fulfill the congregation’s purpose, contact Cindy at p2map@bwcumc.org.

See a story on MAP and Property with Purpose

See a story on the new P2 Coordinator

A Legislative Advocacy Training Day will be held Nov. 18 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mission Center in Fulton and online via Zoom. Speakers will include Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, Karen Herren from Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence, Maryland State Delegate Bonnie L. Cullison, and many more. Register. Also, mark your calendars: the 2024 Legislative Advocacy Days for Maryland will be held Feb. 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Asbury UMC in Annapolis; federal legislation on Sept. 18, 2024, and D.C. legislation on Oct. 23, 2024.

Clergy Ethics & Boundaries Training: The Board of Ordained Ministry invites clergy of the conference to a virtual workshop entitled “Impact of Pornography and the Intersection with Child Sex Trafficking and Abuse” on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom. This workshop, presented by the Director of Safe Communities, Linda Crockett, delves into the world of pornography and its impact on congregants, children, our communities, and ourselves. Participants will explore the deep connections between pornography and the growing problem of domestic child sex trafficking and child sexual abuse in our own communities. Learn more and register.

The BWC's Committee on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) will hold Zoom listening sessions for clergy parents on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 8 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 27, at 2 p.m. The purpose of these sessions is to hear from clergy about their experiences with pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, fostering and raising children within the local church. The committee hopes to create training opportunities for local congregations and, if needed, draft legislation to support clergy parents. Sign up for the event. If you are unable to attend a session but would like to share your experiences or concerns confidentially with COSROW, email co-chair the Rev. Kate Mackereth Fulton.

Those Elders who are 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.

On November's Thursday at the Table podcast, Bishop LaTrelle Easterling talks with Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, which brings life-changing ministries to gang members in Los Angeles. Listen to "Going to the Margins."

The Night of Peace Family Shelter, housed in the facilities of Salem UMC-Hebbville in Windsor Mill, houses up to 30 people each night. It has been in continuous operation since 2005 when a group of Salem's members discerned during a Disciple Bible Study that there was a need for shelters in Baltimore County for families with children. Because of the current economic and political climate, funding from federal, state and local governments has been cut. An appeal has gone out to seek help from the community, especially churches. Learn more and donate. 

Tiger H.U.B. is the BWC's new Towson University student ministry. They will hold the first Tiger H.U.B. event on Nov. 14, from 6:30 to 8 p.m at Raisin’ Canes in Towson. All TU students are invited to join for fellowship, a free meal and to learn more about getting involved in Tiger H.U.B. For more information, contact Pastor Bee Myers, the Towson University Tiger H.U.B. Campus Coordinator.

The Gender, Race, and Ministry Study was a two-year effort that explored how one’s race and gender impacted one’s experience of ministry. The final report offers a window into ministry experiences in our conference and key recommendations for strengthening our collective capacity to flourish in ministry. We invite all members of the annual conference to learn more about the study and its findings through the recording of the recent online presentation.

Training Tuesday: How can church trustees be good stewards of the church's limited resources and accomplish God’s mission in your community? The Nov. 7 Training Tuesday webinar will focus on Aligning Money and Mission. During this webinar, Mark Sampson from Rooted Good, will share information about churches who are exploring new economic models, unpack the latest learnings and explore some of the opportunities and challenges that congregations face related to this work. Specific examples and resources will be shared. Learn more and register.

On Nov. 14, Training Tuesday will focus on Budgeting as a Response to Vision. This webinar will explore how to assemble a project budget from scratch for a new ministry within the church. It takes a good understanding of the vision as the project budget becomes a roadmap for anticipated expenditures and income. Learn more and register.

The Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem is inviting all who are interested to receive a weekly update on the current situation in Israel and Palestine. The weekly update will include a prayer service. The next update will be Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. Join the Zoom call:

Meeting ID: 931 2848 3653; Passcode: 677192

Deacon Information Session: An online exploration session for those wishing to learn what it means to be a United Methodist deacon will take place on Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. Attendees will learn about the history of deacons and the role they play in the church, today. To learn more about the session, contact the Rev. Leo Yates. Register.

The BWC Clergywomen's Christmas lunch will be held Dec. 4 at the Morningside Inn in Frederick.

Several local churches are hosting activities this month that they invite you to attend. See the listing.

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 "Addition by Subtraction."

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.