What’s cooking for Summer Camp 2012?  S’mores and more… Find out in the February NEWSpirit!

·         See a photo of Bishop Peggy Johnson as she plays a shop-owner of the ancient Holy Land at Carson Simpson Farm’s Summer Camp;

·         Hear how Dr. Christopher Kurien credits camping in part for helping t his daughter, Ann, develop as a disciple and a leader;

·         Read what Rev. Jim Heath says about the “Pathway to Our Future” camping funding initiative;

·         See the smiling faces of young disciples whose lives have been changed by our four wonderful camps!

·         What is the Pathway to Our Future?  Find out in the February NEWSpirit, now online:

http://www.epaumc.org/sites/default/files/PDF/news/NEWSpirit/2012/2012NS-February.pdf

Greetings to the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference,
One of the important responsibilities of our churches is the maintenance of a Safe Sanctuaries policy. This newsletter is full of helpful information. Please read this carefully and make sure your church is on board.
Bishop Peggy Johnson

Greetings:
The recent headlines about child sexual abuse allegations at Penn State and Syracuse Universities have reminded us abuse can happen anywhere.  Our Conference requires all churches to have a Safe Sanctuaries Policy in place.  It is a lot of work, but considering the damage to one victim it is a worth it.  Of course as serious as committing child sexual abuse is, failing to report accusations of abuse is every bit as serious.

Together as caring and compassionate Christians  - while in the midst of praying and preparing for a dialogue on the language in the Book of Discipline on homosexuality - those attending a meeting at Wayne UMC on Thursday, September 22, 2011 agreed to express deep distress and solemn sadness generated by the recent suicide of Jamey Rodemeyer.  Jamey, a 14 year old from Buffalo, NY self-identified as gay.  He took his life to end the pain inflicted by classmates at his school who bullied him because he was gay.  We condemn such bullying, gay bashing and homophobia and call upon all persons and especially the people of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church to speak out against gay bullying and bashing and to provide outward and visible signs of biblical hospitality to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning persons.  Let’s follow the example of the Philadelphia Phillies and join the “It Get’s Better Project” and sign on to the pledge: