August 4, 2025 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives" | | |
Please note that Bishop Easterling will be on vacation through September 5. In the meantime, please direct any correspondence to her executive assistant, Sophie Amer.
Please also note that there will be no e-connection for the next two weeks.
The e-connection will resume on August 25.
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Kathi Jeffra, Deaf Shalom Zone Coordinator, has recently learned that she has breast cancer. Kathi is facing this diagnosis with courage and grace, and she is currently in conversation with her medical team to determine the best course of treatment. Please join us in holding Kathi in your prayers. We invite you to pray for her strength, healing, peace, and the full support of God's presence in the days ahead. Kathi shares that, "I have every confidence in the doctors, but I am also ever so grateful for all my prayer warriors."
If you'd like to send Kathi a note of encouragement, please email her at deafshalomzone@gmail.com.
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We are excited to announce that Pastor Cassy Nuñez has been selected to serve as the Hispanic/Latine and Multicultural Ministry Coordinator for the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Area of The United Methodist Church.
This new position is designed to support the spiritual, cultural, and social needs of Hispanic/Latine communities and to build vibrant multicultural ministries across the area. Rooted in the theology and mission of The United Methodist Church, the role emphasizes listening, relationship-building, equipping congregations, and fostering community transformation through advocacy, discipleship, and collaborative innovation.
Nuñez brings over eight years of pastoral leadership shaped by her deep faith, cultural fluency, and unwavering commitment to justice. Her ministry journey includes roles as a church planter and associate pastor in the Texas Annual Conference, and currently as lead pastor in the Baltimore-Washington Conference. From leading bilingual worship and empowering lay leaders to walking with immigrant families through systems that challenge their dignity, Nuñez’s ministry is one of accompaniment, advocacy, transformation, and collaboration. She shared, “My calling has always centered on creating spaces where all people feel seen, valued, and empowered.” Her vision aligns beautifully with our mission to cultivate dynamic, multicultural ministries that reflect the sacred worth of every individual.
Due to her current pastoral appointment, Pastor Cassy Nuñez has begun this new area role in a part-time capacity, until a new pastor is appointed to Salem UMC.
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We are delighted to share that Courtney Morris has been named the full-time Justice Ministries Coordinator for the Baltimore-Washington Conference, effective immediately.
Morris has faithfully served in the interim role for several months, where he has demonstrated strong leadership, strategic coordination, and a deep commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion. In partnership with the Executive Minister of Beloved Community and the Advocacy and Action Board, Morris has helped guide key initiatives, including the Racial Justice, Gender Equity, and Legislative Advocacy Teams, and played an integral role in organizing public witness events, Advocacy Days, and the Seeds of Security Golf Tournament.
With a professional background that spans legal recruiting and faith-based justice work, Morris brings a powerful combination of project management, cultural responsiveness, and theological grounding to this position. His ability to build relationships, support skilled servant leaders, and move initiatives forward with grace and precision will continue to strengthen our shared work of becoming a more compassionate, anti-racist, and inclusive conference.
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The new owners of Mount Vernon Place Church in Baltimore are seeking to raise $50,000 by Oct. 1.
UNITE Mount Vernon Inc., working with Preservation Maryland, has launched a fundraising campaign to raise $50,000 by October 1 to support the preservation and adaptive reuse of the historic Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, which it acquired on July 10 for $500,000. With plans to keep the congregation and repurpose parts of the building for cultural and civic programming, the $50K commitment is an initial phase toward a broader $750,000 goal by year-end, contributing to an estimated $5-10 million restoration effort to turn the 153‑year‑old landmark into a multifunctional civic anchor in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood. Read the full story.
Ellicott City's Bethany UMC worship leader, Matthew Jenkins, recently competed in a national Christian music competition and won. Now, he’s taking his message far beyond the stage. Read how a simple invitation to “ask God for what you want” transformed his journey of worship and calling. Read more.
| | Mid-Year Mission Share Report Available | |
We are pleased to announce the release of the Mid-Year Mission Share Report. This snapshot offers every congregation a clear view of their giving through June 2025.
As we move into the second half of the year, we celebrate the discipline and generosity of so many churches and encourage all congregations to continue striving toward 100% giving. Last year in the Baltimore-Washington Conference, 74 percent of the conference’s churches paid 100 percent of their mission shares. This connectional giving allows us to do remarkable ministry together. Visit our Mission Shares web page to learn how we are faithful stewards of each dollar we receive.
| Lay Servant Ministries Annual Report Update | | |
When completing the Annual Report form for Church Conferences this year, Certified Lay Servants, Speakers, and Ministers will be directed to upload only one document: the most recent role certificate (certification/recertification) sent to them by the District Director(s) of LSM or the Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries. The role certificate signifies that all requirements have been satisfied, including the course completion, for the certification period.
The role certificate practice has been in effect for more than six years in the conference. To obtain the role certificate, Certified Lay Servants or Speakers must submit their latest course certificate along with the completed Application Form to the District Director(s) of Lay Servant Ministries. The District Director reviews the Certified Lay Servant application and sends the individual the role certificate. The Conference Director of LSM sends the role certificate for Certified Lay Speaker to the individual after approval by the Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries.
In the case of the Certified Lay Minister, the role certificate comes from the Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries after the DCOM interview and recommendation, and the Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries' approval.
Certified Lay Servants, Speakers, and Ministers are encouraged to take the necessary steps to secure their role certificates if they have not yet done so. Arena will not allow a person to move to the next section of the form without the upload.
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Young People’s Ministries Intergenerational Day Out at the UniverSoul Circus in Baltimore
Spend the afternoon with your Area YPM Coordinator and enjoy an energetic, soulful, multicultural circus experience that’s fun for all ages. Bring your youth group, bring your family, bring your friends.
There are a limited number of discounted tickets available for $36, so act quickly to reserve your spot for August 23, at Security Square Mall for the noon show. Reserve your tickets.
Contact Natiya Bennett for additional details.
| | | | 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. | | |
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 United Women in Faith 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/
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. Register by Aug. 29 Download the flyer to learn more.
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.
Strengthening the Black Church (SBC21) and the Baltimore-Washington Conference invite you to join in-person for The Black Collective (Lead Well) on September 25. This is a sacred space designed to nourish the spirit, elevate leadership, and strengthen the communal call to justice and transformation. The Black Collective is more than a gathering; it is a movement within the Lead Well initiative, rooted in the belief that Black leaders must be supported, resourced, and seen. This one-day event will take place at The Baltimore-Washington Conference Center (11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Register.
Save the date to attend the Connect Leadership Summit on Feb. 7, 2026. The Connect Leadership Summit, hosted at multiple locations, is designed to spark creativity and inspire lay and clergy to transform lives, churches, and communities. This year’s theme is "Living Water." In a time when many leaders are weary, systems are strained, and hope feels parched, "Living Water" invites us to return to the source, to Jesus, who offers water that quenches our deepest thirst and flows through us to nourish others. As we continue to plan for the summit in February, we want to hear from you about what you want to learn. Take the survey and save the date.
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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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