On Sunday, May 16, I stood on the stage at Impact United Methodist Church and shared with the world that I was retiring from pastoring in the local church. This was a big announcement. Immediately afterward, I was flooded with …
United Methodist health partnership offers hope
In partnership with the Mozambique Ministry of Health, United Methodists are using mobile clinic brigades to serve isolated communities. Focusing on pregnant women and children up to 5 years old and offering consultation to adults, the mobile clinics serve the …
Juneteenth and July 4th: A tale of two Independence Days
At a time when America’s freedom is endangered by efforts to restrict or even thwart voting rights for all, it may be timely for us to have two holidays to celebrate our nation’s freedom and independence—both actual and aspirational. July …
New Economic Justice Council to improve racial equity
The Eastern PA Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CORR) has formed an Economic Justice Council with clergy and lay members from across the Conference who reflect racial-ethnic and gender diversity. “CORR recognizes that our continuing commitment to greater racial justice …
Church thankful for Philadelphia Foundation Grant
Oxford UMC was awarded a grant of $4,216 from the Clyde P. and Katherine B. Alexander Memorial Fund of The Philadelphia Foundation to support the mission and ministries of the church. Announcement of the grant was made by Pedro A. …
Cooperative church efforts aid Congo volcano recovery
On May 22, the Mount Nyiragongo volcano in the Democratic Republic of the Congo began erupting. Ten miles away, in Goma, more than 3,500 houses were destroyed, and volcanic lava decimated fields and animals. More than 450,000 people were evacuated. …
Social media takes disciple-making global
After the COVID-19 pandemic closed Forest Chapel United Methodist Church’s doors, the world found a new window on its ministry. Through worship services and prayers posted on Facebook, people began visiting the Cincinnati church from multiple time zones away. In the …
A Note from DS Morton – June 27, 2021
“Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”(I John 4:1b) There’s a colloquialism in American conversation which claims, “If something sounds too Good to be true, it probably is.” ‘The same for Ridiculous. ‘And for Stupid. A recent edition of DownEast magazine (p. 24, March 2021) …
Latino Commission nurtures faith formation for all
The Eastern PA Conference Latino Commission emphasizes faith formation and leadership development for all ages—from children who attend Latino Week Camp at Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center, to adult learners, including the 21 who recently became Lay Missioners in …
UM Native American groups urge bishops to address boarding schools’ traumatic legacy
The Eastern PA Conference Committee on Native American Ministries has called on the UMC’s Council of Bishops “to lead our people in restorative justice (through)…a forum where (Native American) boarding school survivors and their descendants can tell their stories.” CONAM …