September 3, 2024 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives" | |
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We welcome back and give thanks to God for Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, who officially begins this quadrennium's assignment leading the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Area this week. We ask God's blessing on her, her family and the churches and people of this Area. To God be the glory!
Two hundred and ten years ago, on Sunday, Sept. 11, the British marched into Baltimore. Even during this moment of war, Methodists went to church. During worship, the alarm sounded. Read the story from Richard Thompson of Montgomery UMC in Damascus.
BWC’s licensed local pastor Cristin Cooper and her innovative "Coop's Soups" ministry is the topic of a recent Leading Ideas podcast episode. Listen to audio podcast and see the transcript or see the video version.
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Grace UMC in Aberdeen has been in partnership with the Maryland Food Bank for several years now, but have recently been added as a retail recovery partner. This means that every week they receive a large load of retail items for free from the local Target store, which would otherwise be unusable. From produce, meat and non-perishables to snacks, personal care items, and plants, the 70-80 families who visit Grace’s pantry every week have benefited greatly from this community networking. We give thanks to God for Grace UMC and the relationships that have led to them serving the community even more fully.
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Bonfires spark excitement for IGNITE 2025 | |
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Youth will have a place to shine this fall at the IGNITE Bonfires -- Sept. 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Camp Manidokan; Oct. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. at West River Center; and Oct. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Camp Pecometh. Each event will have its own vibe, but all of them will light the sparks that lead to IGNITE, a youth conference in Ocean City, March 7-9, 2025.
The bonfire at Camp Manidokan, near Harper's Ferry, will include the 75th-anniversary celebration of the camp; the West River Center bonfire in Churchton will include traditional camp activities, including the bungee trampoline and giant swing; and the Camp Pecometh bonfire in Centreville will feature a time of mission. The events will also include a worship experience and opportunities for fellowship and revival.
Register today for the bonfire at Camp Manidokan or West River Center or at Camp Pecometh.
Registration for IGNITE 2025 in Ocean City opens Sept. 15.
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Innovation grants available to local churches | |
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Do you have an innovative and exciting idea for a New Faith Expression or new worship service? Do you have a plan for a new ministry that will help your congregation go to the “next level”? Are you developing a way to reach new people who are not yet a part of any church? The Baltimore-Washington Conference Congregational Development Grants, offered through the Unified Funding Task Force, can assist you with a grant to launch your new ministry initiative, congregational renewal project, leader development ministry, or to reach new people. The application period opens Sept. 3 and closes Oct. 1. Learn more and apply.
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New and Featured Ministries | |
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A federal Legislative Action Day will be held on Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Capitol Hill UMC in Washington, D.C. Participants will meet with members of Congress in the afternoon and advocate for Supporting the Call for a Ceasefire in Israel and Palestine and
Prioritization of SNAP in the 2024 FARM Bill Reauthorization. Learn more and register.
Sacred Votes, An Election Toolkit: As people of faith, our responsibility to participate in the democratic process is deeply intertwined with our call to love our neighbors and seek the common good. Given the upcoming election, conference leaders are encouraging you to explore an upcoming resource: "Sacred Votes: A Guide to Election Participation, Justice, and Social Transformation." Register for a webinar on Sept. 5 at noon to discuss the toolkit’s use and address any questions you may have.
Creation care legislative seminar: The Greater Washington District United Women in Faith will hold their Annual Legislative Seminar on Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon in the SSUMC Chapel or via Zoom. The theme will be creation care. For registration and questions, contact Tijuana M. Irons at 301-821-0966.
Non-Anxious Leader Course: The key to effective leadership is the ability to be a non-anxious presence. This is deceptively simple but tremendously difficult. If you take this journey, you can lead change in even the most challenging contexts. The Non-Anxious Leader: Family Systems Basics is a four-week online course, held online Oct. 7 through Nov. 3, that will help you learn the principles behind this approach, and how to put them into practice. 3.0 CEUs are awarded for successful completion. There is no cost to lay and clergy members of the Baltimore-Washington Conference. Learn more and register.
The workshop C.A.L.L.E.D., (Challenging And Leading Laity Every Day) sponsored by the Cumberland-Hagerstown District, will be held Nov. 6, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Otterbein UMC at 108 E. Franklin Street in Hagerstown. The workshop, led by Cindy Reeder, will explore the concept of call and how to more fully engage the laity. Learn more and register.
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Registration is now open for the second Fresh Expressions Academy, which launches in November. The year-long experience will combine presentations, regular coaching, peer-to-peer discussions, immersion experiences, and an online group to help facilitate the cultivation of fresh expressions. It is designed to equip clergy and laity to innovate and take risks to engage people who are not yet part of a faith community.
Important Dates Include:
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Gather: Nov. 2 -- The opening training day provides an overview of Fresh Expressions and the blended ecology.
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Grow: Feb. 27 to March 1 -- Together, we will travel to The FXUMC National Gathering 2025 in Atlanta, Ga. for a deep dive into practical guidance and shared learning as we are actively engaged in cultivating fresh expressions and other innovative forms of ministry.
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Go: Nov. 1, 2025 -- The closing gathering will be a day of “reverse mentorship” in which students will deliver a presentation on their new expression and share key learnings.
Learn more and register.
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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 series of four webinars 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. Each class begins at 7 p.m. and will have a unique Zoom login.
How to have a conversation across political lines in your congregation
How to have a conversation about gender/sexuality in your congregation
How to have a conversation about race in your congregation
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Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sept. 15 | |
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The Hispanic/Latino community is a vital part of the tapestry of The United Methodist Church, with an enduring and continuing legacy to the church and their communities. We support the history, culture, traditions and contributions of those people whose ancestry is rooted in all Latin American countries.
Observing Hispanic Heritage Month:
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Discipleship Ministries Fall Calendar | |
Additional Discipleship Opportunities | |
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A quilt show featuring Baltimore Album quilts will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 10:30 a.m. at Lovely Lane UMC, 2200 St. Paul Street in Baltimore. The largest private collection of Baltimore Album Quilts, owned by Lovely Lane Museum & Archives, will be on display, and a lecture on the history of quilt making will be given by Baltimore quilt expert Marylou McDonald and her team. Registration is $25. Register. For more information, contact the Rev. Dr. Bonnie McCubbin.
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. 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.
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Submissions?
Melissa Lauber, Director of Communications
11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759
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