The purpose of the Season after Epiphany is to help the whole congregation get ready to accompany candidates preparing for baptism. The first Sunday focuses on the Baptism of Christ and the last Sunday on the Transfiguration. These “bookend Sundays” …
We are the people of The United Methodist Church
Meet the people of The United Methodist Church. We are making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world through our shared faith, mission and ministry. Watch the video.
Good leadership requires challenge, failure, practice
You have probably heard the saying “practice makes perfect.” There is a lot of truth to that. Of course, if you are practicing the wrong thing, you may be perfecting the opposite of what you are trying to achieve…
New Conference Lay Leader nominations sought
As David Koch concludes his second four-year term as Eastern PA Conference Lay Leader, the Conference Board of Lay Ministry is seeking willing, qualified and service-oriented nominees to succeed him in 2022-2026. “All persons are urged to prayerfully consider this …
Former pastor sentenced for 2018 child pornography crimes
The Rev. Jody Sambrick, 61, an Eastern Pennsylvania Conference clergy member arrested for possessing child pornography in 2018, was sentenced this week to one-to-two years in prison plus eight years of probation upon his release. Sambrick, who is on leave …
Preserving Black church history
Consider an African proverb: “If the lion does not tell its story, the hunter will always be the hero.” “Persons who are depressed and oppressed have a tendency not to tell their story,” said retired Bishop Forrest Stith, who played …
What do you know about Epiphany?
Did you know the word “epiphany” not only means an “a-ha!” moment, but also refers to an ancient church holiday celebrated on January 6? In this video, learn how a single celestially-guided voyage, which led magi to Baby Jesus, was an …
Be the hope that others need
Is anyone among you suffering? Then you must pray. -James 5:13
Today in Philadelphia, there was a *tragic house fire in which at least 13 people died, seven of whom were children. I call on all United Methodists to pray…
Church Statistical Reports (EZRA) due Feb. 28, 2022
The mailings for the Statistical Reports were processed and mailed om Wednesday, Dec. 22. Churches should be able to enter their 2021 data starting Thursday, Dec. 23. The website is the same: ezra.gcfa.org. Login user name: the church’s six-digit GCFA number The initial …