November 2, 2026 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives" | | We invite you to join us in prayer for the family and loved ones of the Rev. Sheldon Monroe Reese, who died on October 2. Rev. Reese served several congregations throughout the Baltimore-Washington Conference, including Hollywood UMC for 22 years, before retiring in 2016. Read his obituary and share condolences with the family. | | We celebrate Julie Sharpe, who will be commissioned as a Global Ministries EarthKeeper during an online service on Tuesday, November 10, at 8 p.m. EarthKeepers are United Methodist laity and clergy called to care for God's creation by addressing environmental concerns in their communities. Please join us in holding Julie and the 2026 EarthKeepers cohort in prayer as they live out their calling to environmental stewardship. Read the press release. Join the November 10 livestream. | | |
The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church is meeting virtually November 2 through 6 for a week of worship, prayer and discernment under the theme “Hallowed Be Thy Name: Learning to Recognize the Reign of God.” Bishops will reflect on the recent Leadership Gathering in Calgary, consider next steps for the denomination and address issues including immigration, creation care and artificial intelligence. United Methodists are invited to pray for the bishops throughout the week and watch the public sessions livestreamed on Facebook. Read more about the meeting.
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At the 20th Dunkle-Mackey Preaching Seminar in the Peninsula-Delaware Conference, the Rev. Joseph Yoo challenged clergy to examine their biases, embrace authenticity and approach preaching with courage and creativity. Through humor, storytelling and thought-provoking insights, Yoo explored the roles of the prophet, poet and fool, reminding preachers that sharing God's Word sometimes means challenging the status quo. Read more.
As the Peninsula-Delaware Conference gathered for the Dunkle-Mackey Preaching Seminar, connecting pastors in the Baltimore-Washington Conference met with Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling for a conversation inspired by the Rev. Joseph Yoo's work, exploring what it means to preach "for such a time as this." Together, they reflected on how preaching rooted in Scripture and the teachings of Jesus can move beyond Sunday worship to deepen discipleship, inspire courageous faith and transform communities. Read more.
| | For the first time in United Methodist history, the 2028 General Conference will convene in two locations, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Harare, Zimbabwe, with delegates participating simultaneously in the denomination’s legislative gathering. Following the announcement, leaders from several United Methodist general agencies issued a joint statement calling for intentional planning to ensure equitable participation, accessibility and safety for all delegates, regardless of location. Read the General Conference announcement and the joint statement on equity and participation. | | |
Grow in faith, deepen your discipleship and strengthen your leadership through upcoming Lay Servant Academy courses. Each course costs $40.
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Introduction to Lay Ministry: The BASIC Course (Hybrid): November 10 to December 8, Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., at Arden UMC in Martinsburg, W.Va., or via Zoom. Register by November 6.
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Introduction to Lay Ministry: The BASIC Course (In Person): November 13 and 14 at Cresaptown UMC in Cumberland, Md. Register by November 11.
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Embracing Personal Prayer, Advanced Course (Virtual): November 9 to 30, Mondays, 6 to 8:30 p.m., via Zoom. Register by November 6.
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Leading Missional Small Groups, Advanced Course (In Person): November 20 and 21 at Cresaptown UMC in Cumberland, Md. Register by November 18.
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Called to Preach, Advanced Course (Hybrid): November 14 and December 5 at Mt. Carmel UMC in Frederick, Md., or via Zoom. Register by November 11.
Learn more and register.
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Join the Rev. Neal Christie for Training Tuesday on November 10 at 7 p.m. to explore how the United Methodist Social Principles connect our faith with compassionate justice, peacemaking and care for creation. Discover the history & recent revisions of the Social Principles, along with practical ways to teach and apply them in congregational life.
Learn more and register.
And on November 17, join Paul Eichelberger, Conference Treasurer, and Rob Jett of GCFA for Training Tuesday: “Minimize Cyber Threats to Church IT & Financial Systems, Plus Updates on Maryland FAMLI Paid Leave.” Learn practical ways to protect your church’s technology and financial systems from cyber threats, along with updates to Maryland’s FAMLI Paid Leave program taking effect in January 2027. Churches are reminded that the mandatory FAMLI registration deadline is November 15, two days before this training. Finance committee members, treasurers, trustees and other church leaders are encouraged to attend. Learn more and register.
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Celebrate 75 years of ministry at West River Center with a special anniversary gala on Saturday, December 12, at 5 p.m. The evening will kick off a year of honoring West River’s past, present and future, featuring historical displays, fellowship, dinner and a keynote address from Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling. Tickets are $75 per person. Purchase tickets.
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Clergy and laity are invited to Do No Harm, November 12–14, a gathering hosted by the United Methodist General Commission on the Status and Role of Women, focused on preventing sexual misconduct, supporting survivors and fostering healing and accountability in the church. The event includes professional development opportunities and a public witness featuring Ashley Judd and Rachael Denhollander. Watch Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling’s personal invitation and learn more and register.
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The Mid-Atlantic United Methodist Foundation’s Stewardship Education Webinar Series wraps up with 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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Help Shape the Future of Young People's Ministry!
The Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Episcopal Area is seeking its next Area Young People's Ministry Coordinator to help strengthen ministries with children, youth, and young adults, equip local church leaders, and nurture the next generation of disciples and leaders.
We are grateful for the gifts, passion, and contributions Natiya Bennett brought to Young People's Ministry and wish her well in her next chapter.
As we begin this search, we invite you to prayerfully consider who might be called to this important ministry. Help us spread the word, encourage gifted leaders to apply, and pray for God's guidance as we discern our next steps together.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter describing how their experience and vision for young people's ministry align with the position description to Francess Spaine at HR-BenefitsOffice@pdcbwc.org.
For priority consideration, please apply by November 9. Applications will continue to be accepted 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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