On Wednesday, September 30, 2015, Twenty-five guests and religious leaders gathered at Grace UMC…
Soul Care Initiative Workshop
The Soul Care Initiative is a program of Just Peace in Washington DC. Chaplain David Smith will lead us in this time of learning the unique culture of the armed services and how to develop authentic relationships that support the soul needs …
“October is a special time to say thanks to our pastors”
By Barbara A. Stein, Lay Leader, Salem UMC, Orwigsburg, PA October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Pastors should be appreciated all the time, not just for one month. Pray for your pastors, pay them well, and give them time and space …
“Serving amidst the papal frenzy”
When I was in seminary, I was one of those part-time students whose day job was spent writing jingles and ad campaigns in one of Philly’s ad agencies. I remember one of my more creative seminary professors gave us an …
World Communion Sunday offering promotes Christian unity and ministry
World Communion Sunday is this Sunday Oct. 4. Will your congregation celebrate the Lord’s Supper in holy connection with other Christians around the world? Will you give to the World Communion Sunday churchwide offering that supports educational opportunities for deserving …
Bishop’s district talks to cover varied topics
Bishop Peggy Johnson hits the road again next week with her annual Days on the Districts tour. She just completed similar visits to her Peninsula-Delaware Conference districts last week and meets this weekend with other NEJ bishops and leaders at …
Discovering the myth and meaning of Columbus Day
Christopher Columbus is widely understood to have discovered the “New World” here in the Americas. But it was certainly not new to the millions who had long lived in this hemisphere. Indeed, their fatal discovery was that their world, as …
Another killing rampage roils pain, concerns
Ten people are dead and seven others wounded, according to media reports, after a 26-year-old gunman opened fire Thursday morning with multiple firearms at a community college in southern Oregon. He is among the dead, shot by police to end …
Hurricane Joaquin no longer a threat, but flooding may be
Hurricane Joaquin wreaked havoc in the Bahamas Thursday. But its current path is expected to head out to sea and not affect us in Eastern PA, reports the Rev. Greg Ellis, Conference Disaster Ministry Coordinator. Nonetheless, he adds, “the current …
Building community one word at a time
Clergy members of the Southeast District gathered at the Malvern Retreat House Monday, Sept. 21, for a day apart to be renewed and inspired by the Rev. Jim Walker, an innovative pastor, speaker and author of the book Dirty Word: …