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Salem UMC unveiled a mural, "We are Baltimore," by Mexican artist Came, on Sunday. The art is the creation of an imaginative partnership with Nuestras Raíces. Read the story.

California-Pacific Conference Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank is calling for prayer as United Methodists continue to assess the damage caused by wildfires on Maui whipped up by Hurricane Dora’s winds. The fires killed more than 90 people. The bishop said Lahaina UMC’s pastor and his family safely evacuated to a shelter and are checking in on church members, but the church building itself is destroyed. Donate to UMCOR’s U.S. Disaster Relief

During this period in which we’ve witnessed church disaffiliations, Ask The UMC has received and answered thousands of questions from congregations wondering about the future of The United Methodist Church. Now that we are in a lull between regular U.S. annual conference sessions and special sessions focused solely on disaffiliation, this may be a good time to take stock of the situation from a denomination-wide perspective. Read “Where are we now?” Or See the entire series.

This fall, the BWC is launching a new Fresh Expressions Academy built around creativity and bold hope that reaches out in innovative ways to people who are not in our churches. View the invitation above from Rev. Michael Beck, director of Fresh Expressions for The United Methodist Church, and embark on a whole new kind of faith adventure. The opening training day is Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Register.

Information and Registration at WesleyFreedom.org/worshipcon

Becoming a CLM: The BWC's Lay Servant Ministries program has extended the application deadline to Sept. 30 for the 2023-2025 cohort of Certified Lay Ministers. Classes will begin in October. If you or someone you know is interested in or has heard the call of God to serve as a Certified Lay Minister, check out the application packet. Questions may be directed to Linda Flanagan, the Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries. Learn more.

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 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.

Earthkeepers Training: United Methodists seeking to launch and grow environmental projects in their communities are encouraged to become General Board of Ministries Earthkeepers. Training will be offered Oct. 5 - 8 in Birmingham, Alabama (where Thea Becton will be one of the trainers); Denver, Colorado; and Hartford, Connecticut (where the Rev. Cary James will be one the trainers). Learn more and apply.

The Annapolis District United Methodist Men hold a virtual prayer meeting every Thursday, 7 to 8 p.m. led by Annapolis District UMM President Morgan Smith. Learn more.

Find-a-Church: Since its rollout more than 20 years ago, the Find-a-Church online directory of United Methodist churches has been a favorite destination for those searching for a church home or a congregation to visit when out of town. Now, thanks to expanded search capabilities and a streamlined user experience, the site helps visitors find a congregation that aligns with their wants and needs. Read the story. Visit Find-a-Church.

Clergy Day Away: The Board of Ordained Ministry invites all pastors who are looking for opportunities to be refreshed by good company, the beauty of creation, and spiritual practices to a Clergy Day Away on Oct. 26 at Camp Manidokan in Knoxville for a time of fellowship and play. Learn more and 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 "The Power of Positive Deviance."

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.

Crab Cake Dinner: Community UMC in Pasadena will host its first ever “Homemade Carry-out Maryland Lump Crab Cake Dinner" on Aug. 19 from noon to 5 p.m. Call Kim Fagan at 410-409-9916 or email cumc.fundraisers@gmail.com before 5 p.m. on Aug. 15. to place your order. 

Shrimp boil: Salem UMC in Upper Falls will hold a Low Country Shrimp Boil on Aug. 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. The cost is $23 per person, which must be paid by Aug. 21. Indoor dining and carry-out available. Register at www.salemunited.org/shrimpboil.

Life Skills Academy: The men of Pikeside UMC in Martinsburg, W.Va., invite young men (ages 12 and up) to join them for dinner on Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. The evening begins with dinner, followed by a discussion of important life skills which every young man should have so they can thrive in the real world. The church's United Methodist Men will host a take-out meatloaf dinner on Sept. 1 starting at 4 p.m. Each dinner is $8. Pre-ordering is highly recommended by calling the church office 304-263-4633. Proceeds will benefit the men's ministry and Scouting.

Jazz Concert: Brooks UMC in St. Leonard will host an outdoor Evening of Jazz on Sept. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m., featuring gospel jazz artist Della Proctor-Streat. The cost is $10.

Metropolitan UMC in Severn will hold a Family and Friends Day on Sept. 3 at 10 a.m.

Groundwork for Mastering Money: Brook Hill UMC is hosting Groundwork, a six-week faith-based money class to help you build a strong financial foundation or restore health to your finances on Sundays Sept. 10 - Oct. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. Register.

Stone Chapel UMC in New Windsor will celebrate its historic 240^th anniversary on Oct. 22. Bishop LaTrelle Easterling will preach at a 2 p.m. worship service. On Oct. 7, the church will host Saturday Night Bluegrass, featuring the Carroll County Ramblers, at 7 p.m.

Pie sale: St. Luke’s UMC in Martinsburg, W.Va., is currently making and selling its famous pies. All pies are sold frozen. Pick-up days are Tuesdays between 9 a.m. and noon. Call the church office at 304-263-2788 to order a cherry, blueberry, peach, or apple pie for $11. The church will hold its 53^rd Annual Arts & Crafts Bazaar on Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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