June 16, 2025 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives" | | A memorial service is being held for the anniversary of the passing of Rev. Mary K. Worrel, who passed on June 24, 2024. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 21 at 1:00 p.m. at the Mt. Washington-Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 5800 Cottonworth Ave, Baltimore, MD 21209. The service welcomes all those who would like to celebrate her memory. | | | | | The funeral of long-time lay member Lillian Virginia Parks was held on Saturday, June 14. Parks served on the Board of Ordained Ministry, DCOM, and was a Lay Leader for many years. Parks' request was that any donations made in her honor go to her church, Metropolitan United Methodist Church, 3385 Metropolitan Church Road, Indian Head, MD 20640. | | | |
We are thrilled to announce that Rev. Chania Dillard has been named the new Terp HUB Coordinator at the University of Maryland College Park.
The Terp HUB (Here U Belong) — is a vital campus ministry where students are invited into a brave, welcoming space to explore faith, community, justice, and purpose. As Coordinator, Rev. Dillard will lead efforts to nurture spiritual growth, foster authentic relationships, and empower young adults to live out their calling with courage and compassion.
Rev. Dillard brings a powerful combination of pastoral experience, leadership development, and a deep commitment to mental health and well-being. She has a proven gift for walking alongside young adults in ways that are both affirming and transformative. Her passion for creating inclusive, justice-rooted communities aligns beautifully with the spirit and mission of the Terp HUB.
We also offer our heartfelt thanks to Rev. Will Newton, whose faithful leadership over the past two years was instrumental in replanting this ministry after the impacts of COVID. His vision, organizing, and steady presence helped lay the foundation for what is now a growing, grace-filled community.
Please join us in welcoming Rev. Dillard and celebrating the journey ahead for Terp HUB. With her leadership, we are confident this will be a season of deep belonging, bold faith, and meaningful growth for the students we serve.
| | Ministry Highlight: Disaster Response | | |
Hygiene kits are packed for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) because they provide essential personal hygiene items to individuals and families impacted by disasters, persons fleeing partner violence, and those affected by poverty. These resources help individuals maintain basic cleanliness and health in difficult circumstances. These kits are particularly crucial as they address immediate needs after a disaster, when access to basic necessities may be limited.
Learn more at bwcumc.org/disaster-response.
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Seeds of Security Golf Tournament Has Record Participation: 18 teams battled the rain in the fifth annual SOS golf tournament, raising more than $9,500 for survivors of intimate partner violence. Read more.
ACTION ALERT: The General Board of Church and Society has issued an action alert to support the Religious Workforce Protection Act (2025)—H.R. 2672 / S. 1298. Learn more.
ACTION ALERT: The United Methodist Creation Justice Movement met recently with staff from the General Board of Church and Society to explore ways to work together to bring to fruition a new conference position mandated by the 2024 General Conference. Learn more.
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Just Neighbors invites you to an Immigration 101 session on Wednesday, June 18, at 1:30 p.m. The training is for those who desire to be more informed about the U.S. Immigration system and the situation(s) many immigrants to our country face. The session will be held on Zoom and will be led by one of our attorneys. Questions can be directed to Just Neighbors board member, Rev. Ken Hawes.
June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day. Learn how you and your church can shine a light on Sickle Cell.
The Singing and Praying Bands of Maryland and Delaware will be worshipping with John Wesley United Methodist Church of Baltimore City at 3202 W. North Avenue, as a part of their Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday, June 22nd at 10:00 a.m. You are invited to join and wear something that represents Juneteenth to you.
The Black Clergywomen of the Baltimore-Washington Conference are hosting a Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration on Saturday, June 21, beginning at noon at First UMC Hyattsville. This event is free and open to the community and will feature food trucks, dancers, live music, vendors, inspirational music and more. For more information or to secure a vendor table, please contact the black clergywomen.
The Taskforce on the Church and Artificial Intelligence will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, June 24, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. If you are interested in attending the virtual meeting or working on the task force, please email Rev. Mark Gorman. Clergy and laity are encouraged to join the task force, even if you cannot attend this initial meeting.
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A quintet will present a new chamber music version of Igor Stravinsky’s Petrushka as well as Johannes Brahms’ timeless Piano Quintet on Friday, June 27, at 7:00 p.m. in Glen Mar Church’s Spirit Center, 4701 New Cut Road, Ellicott City. This event is free.
For more information, visit: glenmarumc.org/summerconcerts.
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Applications for the next class of Certified Lay Ministers for the Baltimore-Washington Conference Class of 2025-2027 are now being accepted. Learn more and see the online application. The deadline to submit your application is July 1. The next cohort will start in September and is a two-year commitment. Questions can be directed to Linda Flanagan, conference director of Lay Servant Ministries.
Accessibility Audit Training - A virtual Accessibility Audit training via Zoom is scheduled for July 14 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. This training supports churches with completing the mandatory Annual Accessibility Audit form for church conference. Contact Rev. Leo Yates with any questions. Please submit any accommodation requests by July 1st. Church consults are also available by contacting Rev. Yates.
Baltimore County Christian Workcamp - Grab your tool belts and gloves because registration for the Baltimore County Christian Workcamp's (BCCW) 2025 workcamp is now available! The week will kick off on Sunday, July 20th, and conclude on Saturday, July 26th. Servant leaders of all ages and skill levels are needed to assist with providing home repairs. Register. Learn more.
Accessibility Coordinator Training - A virtual training via Zoom is scheduled for July 21 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. This training is to support churches in implementing an Accessibility Coordinator position. Contact Rev. Leo Yates with any questions. Please submit any accommodation requests by July 7th.
United Methodist Men invite you to the 2025 National Men's & Scouting Ministry Gathering from July 31 to August 3 in St. Simons Island, GA, for a dynamic and empowering experience focused on men's ministry, spiritual growth, and Scouting activities. This event is designed for men and scouts who are looking to deepen their faith and become true disciples in their communities. Download and share the flyer. Register.
The BWC United Women in Faith has a new scholarship application process for 2025.
They support youth and young adults, who are members of United Methodist Churches within the BWC, as they enter higher education to help them grow and succeed in their fields of choice by providing financial assistance for undergraduate students. Applications are due by Friday, August 1.
Save the Date for Mission u: The United Women of Faith of the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Area will host Mission u 2025 on Aug. 1 and 2 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Annapolis, MD. The theme will be “Practicing Hope Together.” Learn more and register.
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Early Educators Conference: The BWC's Directors Roundtable will host an Early Childhood Educator Conference on Aug. 7 at St. Andrews UMC, at 48 Wallace Manor Road in Edgewater. The cost is $75. The theme is "Choose Joy." Learn more and Register.
The United Methodist Congress of the Deaf (UMCD), a Deaf caucus, will have its conference in Elkridge, Maryland on September 12 - 13. Learn more, including information about scholarships, and register.
The Board of Ordained Ministry is hosting a BWC Candidacy Process Webinar for those interested in becoming a mentor on Thursday, September 18, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Anyone who feels called to ordained ministry–candidates, certified candidates, provisional members, any full member interested in becoming a mentor, current mentors, past mentors, pastors, SPRC members, DCOM members, and BOOM Members are encouraged to register and participate in the training.
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Submissions?
Melissa Lauber, Director of Communications
11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759
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