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June 30, 2025 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives"

Prayers of the People

As we continue to pray for peace in the Middle East, we also invite your prayers for Chaplain Major Kimberly Hall, United States Air Force (Baltimore-Washington Conference) and Chaplain Major Amor Del Rosario, United States Army (Peninsula-Deleware Conference), along with the troops they are serving. Both ordained elders are currently deployed in a combat zone in the Middle East.

We pray for Pastor Gary Sieglein, whose wife, Shirley Ann Walger Sieglein, 81, died on Monday, June 23. A funeral was held on Saturday, June 28, at Gerrardstown United Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent to Pastor Gary Sieglein, 707 Morgan Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401. 

Ministry Highlight: Project Transformation DC

Project Transformation DC (PTDC) focuses on building relationships and bridges to transform communities. Through our summer literacy program, children return to school each year ready to pick up where they left off. Young adults are empowered to make a difference in the world using their God-given skills, talents, and gifts. Churches learn how to better connect with the needs of their community. Join us by volunteering to read with our campers, breaking bread with our young adults, and by praying for the PTDC community. For more information on how to get involved, contact Rachel Luna. Learn more.

News

A buyer has emerged for historic Mount Vernon Place UMC in Baltimore, one year after a previous sale fell through. Baltimore Fishbowl has the story. See a video with the Baltimore-Washington Archivist, Rev. Bonnie McCubbin, as she details the history of the tablet at the back of the church, which commemorates the deaths of both Bishop Asbury and Bishop Emory.

A joyful sound echoed across the waters of the West River Center on June 28, as 23 candidates from Asbury Jessup UMC stepped into the water to be baptized. This year’s baptism was particularly significant as it marked a return to West River. In the same place, 18 candidates were baptized several years ago, reflecting the continued growth of Asbury Jessup’s youth and young adult ministries. Read more.

In a joint meeting with the North American Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAAMSCU) on June 18 - 20, the University Senate deepened its connection with UM-related educational institutions, focusing on their United Methodist identity, academic excellence, and social justice in higher education. Read more.

Mark your Calendars

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 conferences. Contact the Rev. Leo Yates with any questions. Please submit any accommodation requests by July 1. Church consults are also available by contacting Rev. Yates.

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 Aug. 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, Aug. 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. The theme will be “Practicing Hope Together.” Learn more and register.

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, a Deaf caucus, will hold its conference in Elkridge 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, Sept. 18, from 7 to 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.

See a listing of more discipleship ministries and local church events

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Submissions?

Alison Burdett, Interim Director of Communications

11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759

 410.309.3428  |  aburdett@bwcumc.org