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December 16, 2024 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives"

As we celebrate the holidays, the e-connection will publish Bishop Easterling's Advent message on love Dec. 20 and then take a break before we return on Jan. 6. We wish you hope, peace, joy and love as we celebrate the birth of a Savior.

Joy is a testimony to "the presence, power, persistence and perfection of God," wrote Bishop LaTrelle Easterling in her message for the third Sunday of Advent. Read her message on joy.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Bishop George W. Bashore, who served the Boston Episcopal Area from 1980 to 1988. Bishop Bashore, 90, died on Dec. 13. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, at the Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church, 3319 West Liberty Ave. in Pittsburgh, PA. Read the obituary

Clear Openings posted as clergy appointments begin

As Bishop LaTrelle Easterling and the Cabinet begin to make clergy appointments, a list of clear opening church profiles are being posted online, 

A Clear Opening church is one that will receive a new pastor this year due to the retirement, death, or appointment of their current pastor to another mission field. Interested clergy are invited to review these openings and apply for an appointment to one or more of the congregations using the application form, which is in the sidebar of the appointments webpage. The applications are used as an additional resource in the traditional appointment process. See the clear opening list for the BWC. See an FAQ on the appointment process and clear openings.

New and Featured Ministries

Resolutions to be considered at the 2025 session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference are due Feb. 14 to Kevin Silberzahn, the BWC Secretary. Learn more. The session will be held May 13-15 at the Hilton Hotel in Baltimore.

It’s Statistical Report Season. On Dec. 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., there will be a Training Tuesday session to help local church leaders better navigate the AC Stats system. Whether you’re new to the system or want to learn about some of the updates and best practices, you can ensure a smooth reporting experience by taking this webinar with Dave Schoeller and John Gauthier. Register.

Collecting Used Candles: If your church holds a candlelight service during Advent or Christmas, please consider donating any used candles to Camp Pecometh in Centreville. The camp needs candles for its special candlelight Galilean services during the summer. They are happy to take any partially burned candles that would otherwise go to waste. The candles show campers the importance of taking God’s light out into the world. Candles can be either sent to Nathan Vaughn at 401 Jack Elliott Way in Centreville, MD 21617 or brought to the BWC Mission Center in Fulton.

The next cohort of A Diverse Church by Design 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.

The Hispanic-Latino Ministries Committee invites you to worship with them on Jan. 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Hughes UMC, located at 10700 Georgia Ave in Wheaton for their Epiphany Service to celebrate the manifestation of Jesus Christ in the world. Come and worship Jesus Christ.

El Comité de Ministerios Hispano-Latinos los invita a unirsenos el 5 de enero del 2 al 4 p.m. en Hughes UMC, ubicado en 10700 Georgia Ave. en Wheaton para su Servicio de Epifanía para celebrar la manifestación de Jesucristo en el mundo. Ven y adorar a Jesucristo.

Your Mission Shares at Work: As the year draws to a close, churches throughout the BWC are encouraged to live out their connectional covenant by paying 100 percent of their mission shares. This connectional giving allows us to do remarkable ministry together. See a list of 100 Ways Your Mission Shares Transform Lives. Learn, at a glance, how we are faithful stewards of each dollar we receive.

Every dollar counts: For every $100 put in the offering plate, $11 is spent beyond the local church. $4.80 goes toward BWC ministries, $3.10 goes toward BWC operations and finances, $2.20 supports General Church ministries, 85 cents goes toward BWC administration and communications, and 5 cents goes toward BWC debt reduction. Learn more.

See a listing of more discipleship ministries and local church events

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