April 15, 2024 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives" | |
The Rev. Rodney Hudson and the congregation of Ames UMC in Baltimore celebrate at a new worship space in a warehouse given to the church, which was renovated for missions and ministry. | |
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The next class of the Financial Leadership Academy, led by the United Methodist MidAtlantic Foundation, begins today in Lancaster as clergy and laity learn about stewardship and the theology of money. Read the story.
The Council of Bishops has nominated Thomas Starnes and the Rev. Erica Robinson-Johnson as candidates for the denomination's Judicial Council. Starnes has devoted much of his legal career to representing United Methodist institutions. In addition to serving as the BWC Chancellor he has represented GCFA, GCORR, the Northeastern and Western Jurisdictions, and several conferences. Robinson-Johnson, chief administrative officer of the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Conferences, oversees complaints and assists Cabinet members and other leaders in interpreting the Book of Discipline. She is from the New England Conference, where she served as assistant to the bishop and director of Connectional Ministries from 2013 to 2021.
We celebrate with Deborah Haskins, who has been working with Maryland’s governor and legislature. She reports: I want to share the exciting news that the Victims Compensation 2024 Reform Act passed!!!! I am so excited! My advocacy began last legislative session and progressed to the governor deciding to totally reform the law, and they included my original bill policy changes. It is surreal. So many will be helped by this change.”
We welcome Sherrill Cole as the new district administrator for the Washington East District, who begins work tomorrow. She’ll be working with Olivia Gross, who is planning to retire.
Awakening to Justice: Faithful Voices from the Abolitionist Past is a newly published collaboration by 10 multiracial Christian scholars, including the Rev. Douglas Strong, a BWC clergy member. It highlights the stories of historic Christians who stood up for racial justice and demonstrates how the example of these forebears can stimulate our justice advocacy today. There is an online discussion guide suitable for study groups.
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Silver Spring UMC discovered that good partnerships are essential when they took the next step in providing affordable housing and building beloved community. The congregation has also provided a strong legislative witness in this arena in Montgomery County. See the story.
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Bethany UMC in Ellicott City has worked with IRC—the International Rescue Committee—to help resettle 30 refugee families over the last two years. Recently, staff from IRC came to Bethany to thank the church and answer questions. Families are primarily coming from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, Congo, Myanmar, and Central America.
We pray for Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, the BWC Cabinet and all the pastors and congregations receiving new leaders as the appointment process continues. See the appointment list.
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Churches assist seafarers trapped by Key Bridge debris | |
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Churches asked to offer aid after bridge collapse: BWC churches are assisting Maryland officials in providing items to support the 136 foreign nationals residing on the seven ships stuck in the Port of Baltimore following the collapse of the Key Bridge. See the list of requested items and how you can help.
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Positive Intelligence training to be offered | |
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Your mind is your best friend. But it can also be your worst enemy. If you’d like to learn how to better align your actions with your values, then Positive Intelligence (PQ) is for you. When you go through the seven-week PQ program, you will:
- Learn what's behind your unhelpful, automatic reactions.
- Develop the mental fitness to neutralize those reactions.
- Grow in your ability to function as a non-anxious presence.
The Center for Vital Leadership is offering two free information sessions. If you’d like to learn more, join the Revs. Rod Miller and Jack Shitama to learn about PQ and how you can participate. Register for the info session by clicking your desired day and time.
The information presented, designed to help you live into your full potential, will be based on Shirzad Chamine's book Positive Intelligence.
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The BWC’s Young People’s Ministry will hold a Mental Health Symposium on May 18 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the BWC Mission Center in Fulton. The symposium, with speaker Lauren Jenkins, will provide youth and young adults ages 13 - 35 with a space to raise awareness about mental health and suicide, have meaningful discussions on the power of resilience and faith, and explore the importance of hope and connection through creative expressive activities. Register.
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Delicious Camp Fundraiser recognizes the best of Maryland: West River Center and Chef David Jannsen will host their second Grazing on Maryland fundraiser dinner on April 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the center, at 5100 Chalk Point Road in West River. Join them for a casual evening raising funds for scholarships for the summer camp. Learn more about the farmers, watermen and artisans whose food will be featured. Buy tickets.
Embracing Healing: Ebenezer UMC in Fallston will host a free workshop on healing on April 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. Learn about healing prayer, foot reflexology, journaling/poetry, reiki, and sound meditation for the balance of body, mind, and spirit. Learn more.
Nottingham Myers UMC will host a Blessing of Bikes and Cars on May 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
So You Want to Repurpose Church Property? Repurposing church property effectively is more than just a real estate transaction to make more money. There are several elements required to see a successful effort come to pass. Join the Rev. Joe Daniels and leaders from Emory UMC in Washington, D.C., as they share their story of going from a part-time appointment and a congregation that was presumed dead to a revitalized congregation that facilitated the construction of a $60 million multi-use building project with 99 units of affordable housing. Register for the June 15 event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Emory UMC.
Step Out: Discerning A Call to Ministry Are you wondering if God has huge plans in store for your life? Are you sensing that God might have a career for you in ministry? Are you ready to Step Out and see where God is calling you? Then join us for our Step Out event on June 22 at Wesley Freedom UMC in Sykesville. You will hear from leaders in our church and have the opportunity to ask questions about all the ways you could serve God! Learn more and register.
Openings for Social Action Team Chair Positions: The BWC’s Advocacy and Action Ministries is looking for passionate leaders of faith and advocacy to serve as chairpersons of the following social action teams: Creation Care | Gender Equity (COSROW) | Racial Justice. If you are interested in learning more about one of the chair openings or submitting your name for consideration, contact Justice Project Coordinator Fathima Rifkey.
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General Conference, the global gathering of The United Methodist Church, will meet April 23 - May 3 in Charlotte, N.C.
Get Connected:
Learn more:
Bishop LaTrelle Easterling will preach during worship on April 25. The General Conference plenary and worship services will be live-streamed.
The Baltimore-Washington Area Reconciling Methodists are hosting a Prayer Vigil for General Conference on April 20. Fellowship will start at 10 a.m., and the vigil will begin at 10:30 a.m., at Severna Park UMC. You can also join on Zoom. Meeting ID: 873 0336 5639; Passcode: PRAY2024
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Additional Disicpleship Opportunities | |
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Applications are now open for the 2024 Peace with Justice Grants. Applicants must show their commitment to Social Justice Advocacy, including advocacy for voting rights, immigration reform, gun violence prevention legislation reforms, human trafficking, and other justice-related concerns. Learn more and apply.
The Seeds of Security Annual Golf Tournament, which raises funds to assist domestic violence victims, will be held on Monday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hobbit’s Glen Golf Course in Columbia, Md. One option for those who want to support this important ministry of healing is to sponsor a hole during the tournament for $250. Individuals, groups, and churches can sponsor a hole and display a signature banner at the hole. Learn more.
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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, he explores "Four Components of Intelligent Failure." | |
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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