October 19, 2026 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives" | | |
Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling is calling the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Area to fervent prayer for the Rev. Maidstone Mulenga, Director of Communications for the Council of Bishops and former Bishop’s Assistant and Director of Connectional Ministries for the BWC, who is in serious condition in a hospital intensive care unit. Please join in praying for his healing and restoration, for strength and peace for his wife and daughters, and for wisdom and compassion for his medical team. The family has requested privacy during this time and asks that they not be contacted directly by phone or email.
Read Bishop Easterling’s full prayer request.
| | We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Robert W. Matthews, the surviving spouse of the Rev. Callie M. Matthews, who passed away on October 9. Please keep his children (including BWC's Long-Term Recovery Director, Derek Matthews), extended family, and all who knew and loved him in your prayers during this time of loss. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to The Matthews Family, 202 Browns Woods Road, Annapolis, MD 21409. Read his obituary. | | |
Please join us in praying for Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling and leaders from across the Living Waters Episcopal Area who will participate in the Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering this week, October 20–24, in Calgary, Canada. This historic, non-legislative gathering will bring together United Methodist bishops, clergy and laity from around the world for worship, conversation and prayerful discernment about the future of The United Methodist Church.
Representing our Episcopal Area are Kevin Green, a lay member of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference; Christian Martine, a lay member of the Baltimore-Washington Conference; Rev. Michael Parker, a clergy member of the Baltimore-Washington Conference; and Ryan Taylor, a young adult from Towson University serving as a Young Adult member at large. Also participating is Rev. Giovanni Arroyo, a member of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, who will attend as General Secretary of the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR). Rev. Leo Yates and Rev. Rick Vance will also participate in their respective capacities.
We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide their conversations, inspire bold visions for the church's future and strengthen our worldwide connection as we seek to love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously.
Explore the Leadership Gathering program booklet and watch the livestream of worship and plenary sessions beginning October 21.
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As The United Methodist Church celebrates 70 years of full clergy rights for women, Rev. Irene Pierce recently turned 100 and may be the oldest United Methodist clergywoman alive. A trailblazing clergywoman, Pierce has spent decades breaking barriers and serving the church locally and globally, including as a longtime champion of Africa University. Read her inspiring story and celebrate a century of faith, perseverance and faithful service.
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What's on the Bishop's Bookshelf?
Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling has refreshed her reading list, sharing books that explore Scripture, discipleship, theological reflection and the future of The United Methodist Church. Her selections invite readers to deepen their understanding of faith, engage new perspectives and reflect on the church's calling in today's world. Explore The Bishop's Bookshelf for inspiration for your next read.
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One Church. One Purpose. One Lord. On World Communion Sunday, more than 400 people from 12 churches in the Charles County Hub gathered at La Plata UMC for a powerful celebration of worship, fellowship and Christian unity. With youth, laity and clergy sharing in leadership and nearly $2,300 raised for the World Communion Sunday offering, the gathering demonstrated the beauty and strength of our United Methodist connection. Read how these congregations came together as one body in Christ.
| | Watch below and discover how Mount Olive UMC in Randallstown is turning environmental stewardship into an opportunity to care for God's creation, build community partnerships and make a lasting impact beyond the church walls. View on YouTube. | | |
Do You Know Our Mission by Heart?
First, we sent you on a scavenger hunt. Then, we challenged you to unscramble the words. Now, it's time to put your memory to the test. Can you recite the mission of The United Methodist Church without looking?
We challenge you to record a short video of yourself saying our mission statement and share it on social media using #UMCMission. Camera shy? Simply post the mission statement on your social media and include the hashtag. Let's fill our feeds with the mission that unites us and reminds us why we do what we do.
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WesleyNexus invites you to the 2026 Kent Weaver Lecture on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 6 p.m. at National United Methodist Church’s Wesley Campus in Washington, D.C. Dr. Edwin W. Lee II of the National Science Foundation will explore the theme “Curiosity Over Judgment,” challenging us to consider how openness to being wrong can lead to deeper learning, growth and meaningful change. Learn more and register. Download flyer.
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Don't wait, IGNITE 2027 is CALLING. The countdown is on. With this year's theme, CALLED, inspired by Isaiah 43:1, youth will discover what it means to be known, loved, and called by God. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of powerful worship, incredible music, new friendships, and discovering how God is calling YOU. Register today for just $65 before the price increases on November 1 at IGNITEforYouth.com.
| | The Central Maryland Ecumenical Council, of which the Baltimore-Washington Conference is a member, invites clergy to a one-day Peacekeeper Training on Thursday, October 29, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Through hands-on exercises and faith-rooted reflection, participants will learn practical skills in de-escalation, active bystander intervention and responding to challenging situations with compassion and courage. The training will be held at the Episcopal Diocesan Center in Baltimore. The $60 registration fee includes breakfast, lunch and training. Learn more and register. | | |
The Mid-Atlantic United Methodist Foundation’s Stewardship Education Webinar Series continues with Estate Planning Basics on October 22, and a two-part Church Growth series on November 5 & 19. Webinars begin at 6:30 p.m. Learn more and register.
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Feeling overwhelmed? Registration is still open for Living Well, a clergy renewal program designed for clergy by clergy to empower them to reflect on and assess their life and ministry through the lens of health and wellness. Join us for a seven-month process of in-depth review and spiritual renewal through weekly journal reflections, monthly group gatherings, and two retreats. The Living Well Program is open to all clergy, licensed, commissioned, or ordained. Participants earn 3.3 CEUs for completing the entire program. Scholarships are available. Contact bomstaff@pdcbwc.org with questions. Learn more and register.
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The Peninsula-Delaware Conference invites members of the Baltimore-Washington Conference to “What If We’re Reading It Wrong? Reclaiming Curiosity in a Culture of Certainty,” a Dunkle-Mackey Preaching Seminar featuring the Rev. Joseph Yoo on Tuesday, October 27, at Avenue UMC in Milford, Delaware. Clergy and laity are invited for an afternoon of learning, breakout sessions, dinner and worship with Yoo preaching; registration is $25, CEUs are available and scholarships are offered.
| | Susanna Wesley House invites you to their open house at 609 Park Avenue in Baltimore, on Saturday, November 7, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Meet board members, tour newly upgraded spaces, enjoy refreshments and learn more about the House’s mission to provide safe, supportive transitional housing for women and children experiencing homelessness. For more information, call 410-837-3787 or email susannawesleyhouse@outlook.com. | | Looking for Something You Saw Before? | | |
Past issues of the e-connection are always just a click away. Visit our e-connection archive to revisit recent news, upcoming event announcements, ministry opportunities, resources and more. Browse the e-connection archive.
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Now Hiring: Area Young People’s Ministry Coordinator
The Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Episcopal Area is seeking a passionate and collaborative Young People’s Ministry Coordinator to strengthen ministries with children, youth and young adults across the area. This position will support local church and district leaders, coordinate youth leadership opportunities and events, and provide guidance for campus ministries. Candidates should have 3–5 years of relevant ministry experience and a heart for nurturing the next generation of disciples and leaders. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to HR-BenefitsOffice@pdcbwc.org. Applications will be reviewed weekly until the position is filled. Download the full job description.
See church classified ads
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Submissions?
Alison Burdett, Director of Communications
11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759
410.309.3428 | aburdett@bwcumc.org
| | The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. |
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