July 21, 2025 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives" | | Rev. Carroll Gunkel, a retired elder in the Baltimore-Washington Conference, died on July 13. A memorial service will be held at Catonsville United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 9, at 2 p.m. Condolences may be sent to Barbara Gunkel at 4110 Lotus Circle, Ellicott City, MD 21043. | | Ministry Highlight: Creation Care | | |
Deeply rooted in United Methodist Social Principles, the Baltimore-Washington Creation Care ministry reminds us that all creation is the Lord’s. Through educational efforts and on‑the‑ground action alongside communities facing environmental injustice, this ministry models reconciliation between God, people, and the earth.
Whether it’s embracing monthly tips like switching to LED lights, reusing and recycling, or choosing sustainable transportation, the Creation Care Calendar empowers individuals and congregations to act daily.
Check back monthly as the ministry shares fresh stories and insights on their Creation Care Blog, featuring inspiring examples, like the Green Team at Jones Memorial UMC, or, most recently, how Camp Chapel UMC's Creation Care team took root.
Learn more.
| | Hygiene Kit Assembly Competition | | |
This is your reminder that on July 1, the spirit of mission and competition collided when the BWC’s six new districts began a contest to collect and assemble 10,000 hygiene kits for the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
The kits are distributed worldwide following catastrophes and can serve as a lifeline for those whose lives are shaken and torn by natural and man-made disasters.
See instructions. Watch a video about how to assemble.
Contact your district administrator to find out where your district's kits will be collected. Learn more.
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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.
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Mark your calendar and register for the Summer 2025 Lay Servant Ministries Academy on Aug. 9-10. These courses equip lay members to serve both the church and community through foundational and advanced training. The course will be held in-person at First UMC of Hyattsville (6201 Belcrest Rd., Hyattsville, MD 20782). Learn more about the classes. Register by Aug. 4. Contact Carol Travis with questions.
| A multi-church session to report and reflect on the June, JAF Civil Rights Pilgrimage of Asbury UMC, Foundry UMC, and John Wesley AME Zion, will be held at Foundry UMC on Sunday, August 10, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. for all who have an interest. Foundry is located at 1500 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036. On-street parking is available until 2:00 p.m. | |
Training Tuesday Season 7 Premiere:
STANDING WITH IMMIGRANTS
Join us on Tuesday, August 19, at 7 p.m. as we learn to walk with the immigrant community to protect their rights. This session will help mobilize your church in a faithful direction during these challenging times.
Learn more and register.
Please note this Training Tuesday session will NOT be recorded.
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Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church is looking for individuals and teams to lead bold, grassroots, anti-racist environmental projects in their communities as part of their EarthKeepers program. Everything from building a recycling center to planting a community garden to installing solar rooftops counts. The next training is Oct. 2-5, 2025, in Des Moines, Washington. Apply by Aug. 21: umcmission.org/earthkeepers/
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.
Young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 are invited to relive your childhood for a weekend and do all the fun things you used to do at camp at the Manidokan Young Adult Retreat on September 12-14. The retreat will offer classic camp activities including high ropes, swimming in the pool, hikes, tie-dye, and a river trip. If you have someone in your life that has never experienced camp, this would be a perfect opportunity to bring them along. The price of young adult camp is $175/person and covers all meals, lodging, and activities. If you and a spouse plan to attend and want a private room, email the program director, Jarrett Snider, or give us a call at 301-834-7244 ext. 3. 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.
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If you are ready to stand in love and solidarity with immigrants in the community, your church is invited to host a United to Love Allyship Training. This training is designed for faith leaders, congregations, and community members who seek to explore what faithful, compassionate allyship looks like today. Together, you will:
- Learn practical tools for accompaniment, advocacy, and action
- Reflect on how our faith traditions call us to welcome the sojourner, love our neighbor, and seek justice
- Build capacity to respond with care, courage, and clarity
For more information, contact: Rev. Cassandra Nunez. Please complete this form and someone from the team will contact you to schedule the training.
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Submissions?
Alison Burdett, Interim Director of Communications
11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759
410.309.3428 | aburdett@bwcumc.org
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