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December 2, 2024 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives"

Prayers of the People

Advent hope illuminates God's intentions. Read more about hope in a message from Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling, episcopal leader of the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Area.

New Hope Day Shelter in Edgewood is moving ahead through many challenges to create a space where the unhoused in the area can gather and receive assistance and care. Read this story of perseverance and heartfelt endeavor of faith.

For the Rev. Meredith West, this year's BWC Denman Evangelism Award winner, relationships have replaced programs as the key to church vitality and discipleship. Read about her insights and ministry.

Last week, Mt. Zion UMC on Ark Road in Lothian became the first recipient of a free AED Defibrillator unit from Anne Arundel County and the Office of Risk Management. The County Executive, his team and members from the Office of Risk Management visited the church for the presentation.

United Methodists in the BWC are creating Vital Change

Churches in the BWC are preparing for the restructuring coming this summer by refocusing on robust incarnational ministry, reconnecting to shared values, and restructuring for vitality.

To assist in these efforts of creating vital change, resources are available for church leaders to use and share. Beginning this month, we'll explore our shared values, which include: love in action, strength through connection, unity in diversity, partnering with purpose, and freedom to try.

Learn more at:

• Creating Vital Change - an overview
• Resources for Vital Change: Packet One
• Our Shared Values
• Restructuring
• Vitality: 100% at 100%

Cyber Monday code for savings on IGNITE and opportunities for Giving Tuesday

You and your church or youth group are invited to observe Giving Tuesday by contributing to a scholarship fund for young people who might not have the funds to attend IGNITE, a unique youth conference March 7-9 in Ocean City. To donate, use this link. You will have a chance to gift one, two, three, or four registrations.

Today, Cyber Monday, we're offering a cyber code that will take $10 off the cost of each registration for IGNITE.

Redeem your cyber code and register.

Learn more about IGNITE at igniteforyouth.com.

New and Featured Ministries

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.

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.

We celebrate Hope, Peace, Joy and Love

Find inspiration and new insights each day of the Advent season through Scripture, poetry, music, reflection, and prayer. Take time to center yourself and prepare for the birth of Christ with this daily United Methodist devotional.

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.

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. 8. The historic log meeting house dates back to 1760. There is limited seating and guests with reservations will be seated first. Guests should 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.

See a listing of more discipleship ministries and local church events

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

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