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Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. will celebrate its graduation today at 2 p.m. at the National Cathedral. The commencement speaker will be Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, presiding bishop of the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Conferences. The event will be live-streamed at https://youtu.be/cSF6kH2DvH4.

Norman Mineta, a United Methodist who broke racial barriers for Asian Americans serving in high-profile government posts, died May 3 at his home in Edgewater, Md. He was the first Asian American to become a federal Cabinet secretary, serving under both Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. See his obituary.

We pray for all those affected by the Supreme Court draft opinion concerning Roe v. Wade. The United Methodist Church has a nuanced position on abortion. Learn more.

We pray for Bishop LaTrelle Easterling and the Cabinet as they make pastoral appointments, and for the pastors and congregations who will experience transitions. See the BWC appointment list.

The Unfinished Church is a new podcast focusing on the holy work of antiracism. Join us on The Unfinished Church Facebook page on Thursday May 12 at 5 p.m. for a launch event hosted by Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey.

Guests for season 1 include Nadia Bolz-Weber, Opal Lee, Willie Jennings, Brian McLaren, Eboo Patel, and Fred Shaw. To stay connected and up-to-date follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Learn more and explore opportunities to engage at https://theunfinishedchurch.org/.

Be a leader this summer! Working at camp offers you the ability to help shape the lives and faith of young people as you build a community that seeks to help each other grow in their love of God, self, neighbor, and nature. Whether you’re interested in art, sports, nature, teaching, or anything else, we can find a place to help you use your passion. West River is still looking for program staff to help shape the experience of campers by leading activities like rock climbing, kayaking, and archery as well as leading worship and group games.

West River and Manidokan also still need week-long volunteers to be counselors for a group of young people this summer. Counselors stay in the cabin overnight and get to know campers, build relationships with them, coordinate Bible study, and play. If you’re clergy, working at camp for a week doesn’t even count against your vacation time. Come see how a week of camp can make a big difference! Questions or want to be involved? Contact Jenna Johnson.

Join a conversation on the war in Ukraine with people on the ground there: As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its third month, it has brought calls for prayer and statements of deep concern from United Methodists globally; it has also brought first-hand accounts of the impact of the war and ways United Methodists respond to the trauma of people in harm’s way.

Join a discussion with Rev. Oleg Starodubets, the district superintendent of the Ukraine Conference; Rev. Dr. Julia Starodubets, a pastor and medical doctor in the Ukraine Conference; and Rev. Bill Lovelace, missionary who ministers with migrants in the Norway Conference. The trio will talk about "A Faithful Response to the War in Ukraine: It’s Impact and What Makes What Peace?" at noon on Friday, May 27. This conversation is supported by the BWC In Mission Together -- Eurasia Committee. Registration information will be in next week’s e-connection.

May 15 is the deadline to register for the 238th Session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, which will be held online June 1-3. The Service of Ordination and the Memorial Service will be open to invited guests only at Glen Mar UMC, but these services, and other worship and plenary sessions, will be live-streamed on the BWC website. Register. Churches are encouraged to take offerings for three ministries: relief for war-torn Ukraine; Africa University and clergy well-being resources. Learn more and contribute.

Your help needed to support migrants: The Baltimore-Washington area is receiving a new influx of migrants from the southern border. Conference leaders are noting a significant need for basic items and temporary shelter. They are also calling on United Methodists to urge congressional leaders to end Title 42. Learn more.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. See worship resources.

Be inspired and inspiring: Heritage Sunday is May 22. As we reflect upon our past, you're also invited to celebrate what draws you to the UMC and what we aspire to be. Learn more and join in the #BeUMC campaign.

Shifting the moral narrative: United Methodists will gather and bear witness at the Mass Poor People’s & Low-Wage Workers Assembly & Moral March on Washington & to the Polls in Washington, D.C., on June 18. Learn more.

Learn how to be vital in your community: Get ready to participate in understanding your congregation and community through your ComparativeInsite report on June 25. Your district Missional Action Planning (dMAP) team is working to ensure that your church has the data it needs to develop meaningful relationships and ministry with your community using the ComparativeInsite report from MissionInsite. One of the first steps to get this data is to upload participants to access the MissionInsite standard report. Click here for a step-by-step guide. Registration opens soon.

The annual Early Childhood Educators Conference will be held Thursday, Aug. 4, at La Plata UMC. Doors open at 7 a.m. The cost to register is $65. The event is sponsored and presented by The Directors’ Roundtable of the BWCUMC. Six clock hours from MSDE will be awarded, plus two PAUs for attending. Learn more and register.

BMCR Town Hall Meeting: The Conference Black Methodists for Church Renewal will hold a town hall meeting to discuss a resolution concerning proceeds from the sale of African American church properties coming before the Annual Conference Session. The town hall will be Saturday, May 14, at 10 a.m. at Westphalia UMC, 9363 D'Arcy Road in Upper Marlboro. This is a hybrid session; registration is required. All are welcome.

SAVE THE DATE: Virtual People’s Supper Conference-Wide Brave Conversation on Saturday, June 25 from 10 a.m. to noon. During this time together, the Conference will host a brave conversation regarding how we can be disciples of Jesus Christ who love well across all dimensions of difference, be a church that embodies antiracism, and build beloved community. This virtual session is free and open to all. Registration will open June 1.

See the church classified ads, now online.