December 5, 2022 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives" |
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The Rev. Susan Carns, a retired Deacon in the Washington East District, died Dec. 4. Condolences can be sent to carns@comcast.net.
It is with great sadness we announce the death of parents of two BWC pastors. The Rev. JW Park’s mother, Kyung Hoon Ahn, passed away on Nov. 30. Condolences can be sent to Rev JW Park, of St. Matthews UMC, 14900 Annapolis Rd, Bowie, MD 20715. The Rev. Kendrick Weaver, of St. Mark’s UMC in Hanover, recently lost his father, Kendrick O. Weaver. A celebration of life will be held at St. Mark's UMC on Saturday, Dec. 10, with visitation at 10 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. Condolences can be sent to his spouse, Karen R. Weaver at 9210 Hobart St., Springdale, MD 20774, and to Rev. Weaver at 14324 Colonel Clagett Court, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772.
The BWC's Wellness and Missions team reports that due to a prolonged lack of rain, millions in Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan are facing a hunger crisis. Hundreds of children have starved to death and thousands more will die unless they get urgent aid. The United Methodist Committee on Relief is appealing for donations to save lives there. Please make a generous gift. The Somalia famine Advance number is #982450. Learn more and give.
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Asking good questions, engaging in deep conversation and telling the whole truth can change the world. In her new podcast, premiering Jan. 5, Bishop LaTrelle Easterling invites you to join her for Thursdays at the Table as she is joined by leaders from across the connection, serving up new insights and interesting ways of looking at our lives together.
It's conversation to stir your soul. Mark your calendar. You won't want to miss it.
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Faithfully Addressing Gun Violence |
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This month, more than 1 million people in the US have been killed or wounded by guns since the Sandy Hook shooting. Baltimore-Washington Conference leaders invite you to attend the 10th annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence, which will be held in person on Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Participants can also watch on Facebook.
The vigil is also endorsed by the General Board of Church and Society, Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence and the Delaware Coalition Against Gun Violence.
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Training Tuesday to focus on new stats reporting program, the Ezra statistical reporting system. The Training Tuesday webinar, on Dec. 13 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., will help you become familiar with reporting statistics and the new system. Everyone who will work on statistics is strongly encouraged to attend. During our time together we will walk through AC Stats, show you the features and answer your questions. Learn more and register.
The BWC’s immigration ministry is holding a drive to collect winter coats and sweaters in adult sizes small, medium and large for migrants new to the US. Items may be dropped off at the Mission Center, 11711 E. Marketplace in Fulton, on Dec. 7 and 14 from 3 to 7 p.m. All items must be new or gently used. See a video about this mission opportunity.
Mental First Aid: The Wellness and Missions Team will host Adult Mental First Aid with United Methodist Churches on Feb. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register. Additional sessions will be held March 17-18, and April 20-21.
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Wesley Seminary’s online Heal the Sick certification program will be conducted Jan. 15 - March 25. The registration deadline is Jan. 3. Scholarships are available through the BWC's Health and Missions Board. For more information, visit www.wesleyhts.org, and click on “Online Health Minister Certificate.” |
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Connect with Joy this Christmas |
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Discipleship Opportunities |
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Advent is a time of expectation. The General Commission on Religion and Race is offering a unique Advent study: God’s Unimaginable Surprises. It lifts up the dual themes of surprise and anti-oppression using passages from Isaiah contextualized into our contemporary longings for God. Learn more.
The Annapolis District UMM will host a potato drop on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 7 to 9 a.m. at Eastport UMC. Learn more. Churches may reserve their potatoes at UMMrsvp.org.
Ministry in Action: The Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation, a ministry partner of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, has a signature initiative, Black Women Thriving East of the River. Learn more about this exciting philanthropic effort in this video.
Journey UMC will host its last Grief & Suicide workshop on Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. at its Temple Hills campus at 1901 Iverson Street in Temple Hills. Breakfast will be provided. The church will also host Friday Night with Santa on Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. and a Christmas Concert on Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. For more information, call the church office at 301-894-8622.
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Winter Youth Retreat: Youth groups of Annapolis District churches are invited to participate in a Winter Youth Retreat at West River UMC, hosted by Calvary UMC in Annapolis. The retreat will be held Jan. 13-15, and will provide a place to celebrate Christ’s love with other youth in the area and build a stronger community of faith. The cost per participant is $165 and includes lodging for your group and meals. Each church is responsible for providing appropriate adult chaperone coverage for your youth. For more information or to register, contact Joe Gryder.
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Learn more about 100% of churches at 100% vitality.
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Submissions?
Melissa Lauber, Director of Communications
11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759
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