October 26, 2026 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives" | | The family of the Rev. Maidstone Mulenga extends their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and support. We are grateful to share that his condition has improved. Please continue to lift him and his family in prayer as he continues his journey toward healing and recovery. | | As Election Day approaches on November 3, Min. Christian S. Watkins, Legislative Advocacy Lead for the Baltimore-Washington Conference, invites United Methodists to put their faith into action through prayerful discernment, informed participation, and a commitment to the common good. In a letter to the Beloved Community, Watkins reminds us that voting is one important expression of our Christian witness and encourages every eligible voter to make a plan to vote while helping others do the same. Read the full letter. and explore this resource on faithful civic engagement from the General Board of Church and Society. | | |
At the Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering in Calgary, United Methodists from around the world gathered to imagine new possibilities for discipleship, leadership and ministry. Hear reflections from participants across our Living Waters Episcopal Area and discover how the conversations in Calgary connect to the work in the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Conferences. Read the full story.
| | A federal appeals court ruled on October 20 that a coalition of faith groups, including United Methodists, may move forward with a lawsuit challenging federal immigration enforcement policies in houses of worship. The lawsuit, which includes The United Methodist Church’s General Commission on Religion and Race and the denomination’s New York, North Georgia and Western North Carolina conferences, seeks to protect religious freedom and ensure churches remain places of worship, ministry and welcome without fear of immigration enforcement. Read the press release. | | Urgent Security Alert for Church Websites: The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) is warning churches of two critical security vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to take control of websites, potentially compromising sensitive information and disrupting online ministries. Churches are urged to contact their website administrator or hosting provider immediately to determine whether their site is affected and confirm that necessary security updates have been installed, even if their website is managed by a third party. Read GCFA's full advisory and recommended action steps. | |
What if one weekend could
spark a lifetime of faith?
For 17 years, Asbury Jessup UMC has brought young people to IGNITE, and the impact has been extraordinary. From life-changing worship and lasting friendships to new ministries and young people giving their lives to Christ, their story is a powerful reminder that IGNITE is so much more than a weekend.
Read their inspiring story and imagine what God might do in the lives of YOUR youth.
Now it's your turn. Bring your youth group to IGNITE 2027: CALLED, January 22–24 in Ocean City, where young people will discover that they are known, loved and called by God. Register by October 31 for just $65 per person. Don't miss this opportunity to spark something that could last a lifetime. Register today at IGNITEforYouth.com.
| | Over the past few weeks, we've challenged you to learn the mission of The United Methodist Church by heart. Now, members from across our Episcopal Area are putting that mission into words. Watch as members from the Living Waters Area share the mission that unites us: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. | | |
Join BWC United Women in Faith for its Annual Fall Celebration on Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Matthews UMC in Bowie. Centered on the theme “Unbroken, Unshaken and UNSTOPPABLE: Women Rooted in Christ,” the gathering will feature guest speaker the Rev. Dr. Johnsie Cogman, Two Rivers District Superintendent, along with fellowship, a continental breakfast and lunch. A $20 donation is requested. Register today.
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As we prepare for IGNITE 2027, our young people are putting their faith into action through the Hearts Ablaze Youth Mission Project, with a bold goal of assembling and distributing 1,200 care kits to support those experiencing need or food insecurity, particularly through campus ministries across our Episcopal Area. Your church can help make a difference by purchasing supplies or making a donation, even if your youth aren't attending IGNITE.
Read the letter inviting churches to support this year's mission project.
And if you are sending your youth, don't wait to register. Registration increases from $65 to $75 on November 1. Register today and join us January 22–24 in Ocean City for an unforgettable weekend of faith, fellowship and fun.
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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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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.
| | 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 IGNITE Campfire at West River is on Sunday, November 1, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Youth, young adults and leaders are invited to gather for an evening of worship, games, fellowship and s’mores. This is a great way to build community, invite friends and get a taste of the energy and connection coming to IGNITE 2027. Come reconnect with friends from across the Area, make some new ones and be reminded that you’re part of something bigger. Learn more and register for the campfire.
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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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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.
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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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