May 8, 2024 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives"

Prayers of the People

We give thanks and praise to God for the work of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church, which met April 23 - May 3 in Charlotte, N.C. Learn more.

The BWC Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) will hold an online prayer meeting tonight at 7 p.m. to lift joys and concerns following General Conference. Register. For more information, contact the Rev. Ken Hawes.

Vivian Otto, a retired Diaconal Minister in the Baltimore-Washington Conference, died May 1. She was a resident of Asbury Village in Gaithersburg and a fierce advocate for Christian learning.

Joyce King sends the following note: "With a heart overflowing with gratitude, I thank you for loving, supporting, and encouraging me through the unimaginable pain of losing my daughter, Diane. In the midst of my grief, I felt God’s presence through your kindness and generosity. Please continue to pray for me and my family as we move from living a life that was, to one that we never imagined. Thank you all."

St. Matthew's New Life UMC was featured by WBAL Channel 11 News in Baltimore for calling on Baltimore City Officials to address issues of community safety, blight, and illegal dumping. See the story. This summer, the church plans to host robust community programs for children, youth, and young adults, including an arts camp, young adult leadership and workforce development program, and a youth community/creation care program.

Annual Conference Session: Important Information

PreConference Briefing Session set for Saturday, May 11

An online PreConference Briefing Session, which will provide information about the matters coming before the 2024 Baltimore-Washington Conference, will be held on Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to noon. Clergy and lay members to annual conference are encouraged to attend. 

Join the Zoom webinar at https://bwcumc.zoom.us/j/85047241517

Registering for Annual Conference

The Annual Conference Session will be held May 29 - 31 at the Hilton Hotel in Baltimore. Late registration for the session closes May 8 at midnight. It is $199. There will be no on-site registration.

There are no more rooms available at the Conference rate at the Hilton. However, the BWC has negotiated overflow hotel rooms at the Hampton Inn across from the Hilton. Register for those rooms at BW Conference of United Methodist Church (hilton.com).

All those staying at the Hilton are encouraged to download the Hilton app so that they can check-in on the app and avoid the front desk check-in lines. Learn how.

Gifting Hope: BWC outreach to Adullum Healthcare

This year, in the lead-up to the 2024 Annual Conference Session in May, members of the Baltimore-Washington Conference will create a trajectory of hope by supporting the Adullum Community Healthcare Center at New Waverly UMC in Baltimore. Adullum recognizes that health and faith are inseparable parts of human wholeness and that access to health care is a basic human right. In an innovative ministry of outreach, compassion and medical expertise, they are transforming the city.

Using an Amazon wish list, individuals, small groups, and congregations are asked to purchase much-needed supplies that will be used by Adullum’s medical staff to provide care to their patients. You are also invited to contribute funds, which will go to salaries and other needs. See a story about the Rev. Dr. Irance Reddix-McCray and Adullum.

Discipleship Opportunities

The BWC is continuing to collect money for those workers and others affected by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. The response has expanded to support the unemployed workers who are not eligible for unemployment benefits. Learn more. Donate.

The BWC will host a pilgrimage exploring the life of Robert Strawbridge and the power of the laity on Saturday, June 8. Visit five historical sites across Maryland, including Lovely Lane UMC, Lovely Lane Museum & Archives, The Strawbridge Shrine, Stone Chapel UMC, and Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Baltimore. The tour costs $50 and includes lessons on pilgrimage, informative tours of each site, opportunities for spiritual reflection and lunch. For more information, please contact bmccubbin@bwcumc.org or archives-history@bwcumc.org. Scholarships are available. Register.

Ignite Your Leadership Journey with SCD 2024: The School of Congregational Development is returning to Chicago this summer as SEE//CREATE//DISCIPLE (SCD) on Aug. 4-7 at the Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg, IL. Learn more and register. Contact Rev. Bill Brown, Director of Innovative Evangelism if you have questions. Scholarships available.

Discover new ways to serve: The Baltimore-Washington Conference offers many opportunities for people to live out their discipleship. One way to put your faith in action is to serve on a Conference committee, board, or commission. Learn more.

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.

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.

Local Church Events:

• Wesley Grove UMC in Damascus will host its Annual Spring Community Yard Sale on May 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Mt. Carmel UMC will host a golf tournament on July 15, starting at 9 a.m. at Holly Hills Country Club in Ijamsville. Learn more and register.

See church classified ads now online.

College Park UMC has a large number of the 1964 version of the Methodist Hymnals to donate to a good cause. If you are interested, please pick them up before May 18. Call the church office at 301-345-1010.