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On July 12, the Pride flag at Grace UMC in Baltimore went missing. Grace leaders replied with a statement: "We want to be clear that in times like these, our values do not change. We are still a Reconciling congregation. We still support, affirm, and love ALL members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and will stand with them when they become targets of hatred and violence. We believe God's love is meant for ALL of God's children, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, or class."

Bishop Forrest Stith reflects on his experience participating in this year's Annual Conference session, disaffiliation, race, and the future of The United Methodist Church in an essay called, "Can These Bones Live?" Read his thoughts.

We pray for the BWC's five IDEA interns working this summer in the areas of inclusion, diversity, equity and anti-racism. Learn about the interns and read their weekly journals. As part of their reflection, the interns were asked to write poems on the ideas of justice, freedom, power and hope. Three of their poems are at the bottom of this issue.

Correction: In last week's issue, when we prayed for Trinity UMC, whose cross in their outdoor chapel was vandalized, we misidentified the church's location. It is in Germantown.

Register now for a day of fun and fellowship at "United Methodist's Got Talent." Beginning at 11 a.m. on Sept 30, youth and youth leaders of the BWC and Pen-Del will spend the day together at Camp Pecometh enjoying games, inspirational talks, music, and a talent show. All youth are invited to attend. Performing is not required. Youths interested in performing must fill out an audition form. The cost is $5 per person for lunch, snacks, games and more. For every four people registered, the fifth is free using the discount code Talent! Register.

Bishop LaTrelle Easterling announces that the Rev. Kenda Creasy Dean will be the speaker at the Next Level Speakers Series on Oct. 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Wyoming UMC, 216 Wyoming Mill Road in Dover, Delaware.

Dean, an ordained United Methodist clergywoman serving as a professor at Princeton Theological Seminary, is one of the premier church innovators in the nation. She works closely with Princeton’s Institute for Youth Ministry and the Farminary and is a co-founder of Ministry Incubators, which assists congregations and communities in doing innovative ministry. Those who register for Next Level will receive a copy of her newest book, Innovating for Love: Joining God's Expedition through Christian Social Innovation.

The Bulletin, a monthly reproducible resource for local churches to add to their bulletins, newsletters, or websites, is available. This month's issue features articles on vitality and deepening discipleship, the adventure and grace of summer camp, an opportunity to "meet the Methodists" -- Robert and Elizabeth Strawbridge, and a message from Bishop LaTrelle Easterling. Download The Bulletin.

Mission-Shaped Church, a BWC blog that empowers churches to shift from maintenance to mission, will welcome a guest blogger in August. The Rev. Tom Bandy, an internationally recognized consultant and coach uses MissionInsite to teach leaders how to use demographic and lifestyle research for mission and ministry. You can view his books and resources at www.ThrivingChurch.com. Bandy has also made himself available for free one-on-one consultations for members of the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware conferences. If you are a member of either of these conferences, you can schedule a time to meet with him.

A.I.M., (Administrators in Ministry) is participating in UMCOR’s Feminine Hygiene Kits Assembly project. On July 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., A.I.M. members and other volunteers will assemble much-needed “Period Packs,” which provide necessities to support vulnerable women. You can drop off items at one of the designated drop sites. For more information on the items needed, the drop sites, or to register to participate, visit https://www.adminsinministry.org/umcor-project.

The BWC's Fresh Expressions Academy, designed to equip clergy and laity to innovate and take risks to engage people not yet part of a faith community, launches on Nov. 4 and runs for 12 months. It combines presentations, coaching, peer-to-peer discussions, immersion experiences, and an online group to facilitate the cultivation of Fresh Expressions. The experience has three key dates:

Learn more. Register.

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 of Vital Leadership. This week, Shitama explores "Three Time-Management Principles that Saved My Life."

The BWC’s 2023 Immigration Border Immersion is a transformative experience open to clergy and lay people, especially young adults, seeking to learn more about migration. Participants will have the opportunity to listen to God through the voice of the immigrant and be part of the change as they implement and take action in their local communities. The trip to San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico, is Oct. 19 - 23. The cost, which includes airfare, is $860. Learn more about the trip. Register.

By DaShawn Jones 

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