Spring 2020 Newsletter
Churches taking ministry online in the midst of pandemic
By John W. Coleman Virtual church is taking off big-time across our conference and beyond. Congregations are self-exiled from their sanctuaries by the coronavirus pandemic, as they practice social distancing. But some now prefer the term “physical distancing,” as they …
Una palabra al sabio(Pastorado) sobre el domingo de Pascua y otras celebraciones de Semana Santa
Saludos en el Nombre del Señor Jesucristo, El apóstol Pablo escribió hace mucho tiempo: “Dios les dio nueva vida, pues los resucitó juntamente con Cristo. Por eso, dediquen toda su vida a hacer lo que a Dios le agrada. Piensen …
GC2020 delegates listening sessions postponed
The Eastern PA Conference delegation to the 2020 General & Jurisdiction conferences has postponed its remaining listening sessions, scheduled for April 2, 4, and 20, until further notice….
See all GC2020 Information on our General Conference webpage.
Join in Conference-wide Holy Week Worship, April 8
Bishop Peggy Johnson and the Eastern PA Conference Cabinet will lead conference churches and members in a mid-Holy Week online worship service on Wednesday, April 8, at 11 AM. The service should last about 45 minutes.
BMCR focuses on separation plans, leadership views
Much of the annual meeting of the African American caucus of The United Methodist Church focused on major changes being proposed to the now-delayed General Conference, as well as the views of black church leaders…
Thoughts about Holy Communion in the Midst of Coronavirus
Dear Pastors and Congregants, I have been asked to address the issue of cyber Holy Communion. In the document “This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion,” found in our 2016 Book of Resolutions it states the following: …
Conference office now closed until further notice
The Eastern PA Conference office, closed since March 20, now will be closed until further notice. Our staff is working remotely from home…
Death Notice: Mr. Rob Fisher
We received word that Rob Fisher, husband of Rev. Karyn Fisher, died March 23, 2020. Rev. Fisher is currently serving Shamokin: St. John’s UMC. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to The Rev. Karyn Fisher at karyn.fisher3@gmail.com or 1218 W. Arch Street, Coal Township, PA …
‘God’s Microphone’
In Remembrance of Bishop Oscar Romero
I have always bristled when a preacher or a workshop leader, who has access to a microphone, says something like “You can hear me, can’t you? I don’t like using microphones.” No one seems to object, and they proceed to put aside the sound system to the detriment of someone…