e-connection 8|19|2024

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August 19, 2024 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives"

Prayers of the People

We pray for our two United Methodist churches and the people of Bermuda, thousands of whom lost power when Hurricane Ernesto hit the island territory with powerful winds, a dangerous storm surge, and flooding last weekend. Donate to UMCOR.

We pray for Pastor Warren Savage of Sharp Street UMC in Baltimore and Mrs. Toni Savage, whose 17-year-old son, Terrell, died earlier this month. Condolences can be sent to the family at 6247 Robin Hill Road, Gwynn Oak, MD 21207.

Mrs. Therese Thomas, the surviving spouse of Rev. John R. Thomas, passed away on July 27.

The Rev. Charlotte Hendee’s brother, Jeffrey L. Hendee, died on Aug. 13 at his home in East Longmeadow, Mass. He was at one time a local pastor in the New England Conference.

In 1966, Capitol Hill Methodist Church in Washington hung a plaque to dedicate a large, beautiful stained-glass window of Jesus to J. Edgar Hoover, who was the Director of the FBI from 1924 to 1972. Recently, after much discussion and study of history, and the role of faith in addressing racism and nationalism, members have decided to rededicate the window at a ceremony on Sept. 29, and the old plaque will be displayed elsewhere in the church, along with an explanation of the circumstances. See the UMNS story.

The Rev. Dr. C. Anthony Hunt, pastor of Epworth Chapel UMC in Baltimore, has published his latest book, The Catalyst: Leadership that Transforms Lives and Organizations.

'What's past is prologue:' Telling the Methodist Story

David Worthington, the United Methodist Global Ambassador of Methodist Heritage Sites, will speak at Foundry UMC in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. His presentation is entitled “Wisdom from the Past, Hope for the Future; A Story of Methodist Heritage.”

Worthington is the former manager of John Wesley’s New Room in England, the oldest Methodist building in the world. “We have the opportunity at this critical time, to reaffirm our calling as disciples of Jesus by learning about our past in order to create a better future,” he said.

Worthington, who has worked with the denomination’s Commission on Archives and History and Educational Opportunities Tours to create a new Methodist pilgrimage in the Northeast United States, said he embraces the sentiments of American abolitionist Wendell Phillips, who wrote, “The heritage of the past is the seed that brings of the harvest of the future." His presentation is free and open to the public.

The Baltimore-Washington Conference's Advocacy and Action Ministries invites you to join them for the Building Beloved Relationships Training Webinar Series led by K Scarry of the People's Supper.

This webinar series will provide a pathway to leading amidst change and having brave conversations, along with time for further discussion so that you can best understand how to build beloved relationships within your congregations and wider communities. This series consists of four training webinars. Each class begins at 7 p.m. and will have a unique Zoom login.

August 29 | Leading Amidst Change

Relational tools to keep a community in good relationship

September 12 | Let’s Talk About It

How to have a conversation across political lines in your congregation

September 26 | Let’s Talk About It

How to have a conversation about gender/sexuality in your congregation

October 10 | Let’s Talk About It

How to have a conversation about race in your congregation

New and Featured Ministries

The next EarthKeepers class will be held Oct. 3-6 at the Maritime Center in Linthicum. This opportunity from Global Ministries enables people to live out their passion for the natural world, God’s creation and environmental justice. Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training and incubator program that provides a collaborative space for United Methodists to develop and grow environmental projects in their communities. Topics include eco-theology, antiracism, community organizing, and project planning. During the training, all participants will plan a bold, action-oriented project. The trainers include the BWC’s Rev. Cary James and Thea Becton. Youth, ages 13-18 may participate with an adult. Learn more and apply.

Fall Day Away for Clergy: The Board of Ordained Ministry's Culture of Call Committee is hosting a Day Away for Clergy on Oct. 17 at Camp Manidokan near Harper's Ferry. The day will include time for fellowship, relaxation, renewal, and optional art, hiking, and zip-line experiences. It can also be extended for an overnight stay. Learn more and register.

ASL Workshop: The Rev. Leo Yates will host a Deaf Ministry 101 workshop at Saint Mark UMC in Hanover on Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon in conjunction with Deaf Awareness Month. Register Here. See a flyer. Contact Rev. Leo Yates with any questions.

Free Bible Commentary: A set of twelve volumes of The New Interpreter's Bible (A Commentary in Twelve Volumes) is available to anyone who would like them. They may be picked up at the home of the Rev. Dick Harden in Westminster. Contact him at revwrh@gmail.com.