Death Notice: Mrs. Ruth Trauger

We have received word that Mrs. Ruth Trauger died on April 13, 2020. She was the surviving spouse of The Rev. Earl E. Trauger, retired full member of the Eastern PA Conference, who preceded her in death in 2013. Rev. Trauger served …

Unprecedented Easter?

An angel of the Lord descended from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. – Matthew 28:20
Of all the gospel’s scenes depicting Easter’s empty tomb, this one is my favorite. Dawn. The two Marys, their eyes mistier than the early morning…

Doing ministry in the midst of coronavirus

Behold, I am doing a new thing;now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wildernessand rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 (ESV). Are you doing a new thing? Is your church making a way…

Online prayer groups seek healing despite social distancing

By John W. Coleman Churches and church groups are busily using online videoconferencing services—especially Zoom—and also free conference call services during these social distancing days for worship, meetings, Bible study classes, and increasingly, for prayer. Now, even larger groups are …

2020 ‘Bridge Walk for Peace’ marches on virtually

Since 2008, the Rev. David W. Brown, a deacon in the Eastern PA Conference, has led a special, early dawn walk across Ben Franklin Bridge in Central Philadelphia to commemorate the tragic day the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was …

UM agencies resourcing pandemic-affected churches

By John W. Coleman In the spirit of connectionalism, United Methodist general agencies continue to try to help local churches connect with members and survive the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Such connection is crucial for continuing worship, financial …