July 28, 2025 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives" | | |
A message from Bishop Easterling:
My family and I are grateful for the outpouring of prayers, love and support we received during my recent hospitalization. Thanks be to God, I am now recuperating at home. One of the strengths of our United Methodist connection is the way we care for one another in times of difficulty. My family and I felt those prayers, and we are strengthened by them. Just as I have always encouraged others to prioritize their health, it is time for me to do the same. I appreciate your support as I allow God to rejuvenate me during the coming weeks.
Blessings and peace,
Bishop Easterling and family
Mrs. Martha Bortner, who was the spouse of the late Rev. Ernest Bortner, Jr., died on July 17. A celebration of life will be held in Florida on August 2. Condolences can be sent to her daughter, Lorrie LaBelle, at 429 St. Johns Drive, Satellite Beach, FL 32927.
| | Ministry Highlight: Deaf Shalom Zone | | |
For 25 years, Deaf Shalom Zone has been a vibrant ministry of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, empowering Deaf and DeafBlind individuals toward greater access, equity, independence, opportunity, and unity. Rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to food, community, and justice, Deaf Shalom Zone offers a unique C.A.R.E. model of Case management, Advocacy, Referral, and Education.
As they look to the future, the ministry is expanding its outreach through events that foster fellowship and connection, and continues to equip volunteers with the wisdom of an African proverb: "When you pray, move your feet and your hands." This call to live out love in action is transforming lives and multiplying impact.
In addition to this important work, the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee of The United Methodist Church is now accepting proposals for small grants to support Deaf ministry efforts. A limited number of grants are available. If your church or ministry is interested in applying, create a ministry proposal and email it to Rev. Tom Hudspeth.
Rev. Leo Yates, Coordinator of Accessibility & Inclusion for the Baltimore-Washington Conference, has offered his church’s proposal as a template, though applicants are welcome to create their own unique proposals. If you need guidance in writing your proposal, Rev. Yates is available to assist.
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In response to the denomination’s evolving needs, the Council of Bishops has rescheduled the planned Leadership Gathering from April 2026 to October 20-24, 2026. For now, the bishops plan to launch church-wide surveys, interactive webinars and regional gatherings, inviting every member, clergy and lay, to help advance the denomination’s new vision. Read the full statement.
For 34 years, CAMP JOY has brought youth together to serve Appalachian communities through hands-on home repairs and heartfelt ministry. Read how this year’s mission, rooted in love, transformed both homes and hearts across Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
United Methodist soprano Catherine Wethington, whose roots run deep in the denomination, will present Journey of Faith: A Musical Tribute to Mother Teresa at Strathmore this September. The concert, which premiered at Carnegie Hall, weaves together music, faith, and service to honor the legacy of one of the most transformative figures of our time. Read more.
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The Northeastern Jurisdiction of the UMC is exploring the possibility of organizing group travel to the 2026 Global Young People’s Convocation (GYP) in Dublin, Ireland on July 7-11, 2026. This is a unique opportunity for youth, young adults, and youth leaders to connect, worship, and collaborate with peers from around the world. They are currently gauging interest to see if there’s enough participation to form a group. No commitment or registration is required at this time; simply let us know if you’re interested. Please complete this interest poll by Friday, August 1. Learn more.
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Wesley Theological Seminary's Heal the Sick Program is offering an online Health Minister Certificate during their fall 2025 semester. This 14-week program is an introductory education course that equips and trains faith community members, clergy, public health professionals, social workers, chaplains, and others to support whole person health in many settings. Download the flyer to learn more.
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.
There have been some changes to church conference forms this season. Please join the Central Administration Team for Church Conference Training on Aug. 4 at 7 p.m., as they discuss what this year's Church Conference season will look like. They will walk you through the Arena forms and show you the difference between the worksheets and forms on the website. They will show you how to end someone’s term, add someone to the committee leader toolbox, and explain the importance of having someone listed as the church administrator. If you are filling out any church conference forms, please plan to attend this training. Register.
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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.
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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.
The Baltimore-Washington Conference United Women in Faith Charter for Racial Justice (CFRJ) Committee presents the August 2025 Book Discussion:
Raise Your Voice: Why We Stay Silent and How To Speak Up by Kathy Khang
Please order your book, register, and join the virtual event on Aug. 10, 17, 24, and 31.
The BWC Legacy Endowment Fund is hosting a NEXT Generation Fun Day on Saturday, August 16 at the BWC Mission Center from 2 to 5 p.m. This talent show is for all ages. Do you sing, dance, play an instrument, or recite poetry? The mic is open. To RSVP, email Terri Booth or Daisy Farmer.
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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.
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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