A handful of Eastern PA Conference delegates to the 2019 Called General Conference have been meeting with groups around the conference, as promised, to explain the groundbreaking proposals that worldwide body will consider in determining The United Methodist Church’s future …
The One Church Plan as the ‘Way Forward’
By Clarita Anderman Krall* In February 2019 the General Conference (GC) of The United Methodist Church (UMC) will gather to conclude unfinished business of the 2016 GC. For over 45 years, since language about the practice of homosexuality was first …
Why the One Church Plan is a bad idea
By the Rev. Joseph F. DiPaolo* With the 2019 session of General Conference just months away, many United Methodists are seeking information on the various plans and petitions to be considered in St. Louis. Our bishops and other leaders have …
Mrs. Helen Bachman
We have received word that Mrs. Helen A. Bachman passed away on December 14, 2018. She was the surviving spouse of Rev. Neal D. Bachman, retired elder. Rev. Bachman served the following Eastern PA Conference churches: Tremont Charge Harrisburg: St. …
A culturally competent Christmas carol
Of all the Christmas carols and hymns in the UM Hymnal none is as important for us today as #244, “’Twas in the Moon of Wintertime.” It is a Huron Christmas carol originally written in the language…
First Conference VIM team brings hope to Puerto Rico
REHACE, the social ministry arm of the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico, stands for Rehaciendo Comunidades con Esperanza (Rebuilding Communities of Hope), an apt description of that church’s mission to help restore the hurricane-ravaged island. Hope. The word is becoming …
New ads proclaim the UMC ‘Movement Continues’
[box]Watch the new video “United Methodists respond to God’s call” and share it with your church and community![/box] United Methodist Communications (UMCom) has produced a series of colorful, uplifting ads to promote the UMC’s global commitment to its mission: “Making Disciples …
Bangor First UMC is Spreading the True Meaning of Christmas
Often many Christians struggle with the thought of Santa Claus at Christmastime. If Jesus is the reason for the season, then why should we celebrate Santa Claus? Pastor Chris Hardy of Bangor First United Methodist Church, sees Santa as a …
The Rev. Helen C. Fleming
Helen C. Fleming, a retired local pastor who served at Eastwick UMC in Philadelphia from 1996 to 2005, died Dec. 13. She was serving Mt. Vernon Place UMC Baltimore, Md. Fleming left Philadelphia in 2005 to join the Baltimore-Washington Conference …
Celebrate Human Relations Day, Jan. 20
On Jan. 20, 2019, United Methodists will celebrate Human Relations Day, when we call on churches to help every one of God’s children realize their potential in relationship with others. Three recipient programs need our help to continue nurturing at-risk …