EPA’s Connectional Table, a gathering of staff and elected chairpersons of various conference committees, met July 12 via Zoom to hear and respond to reported plans and updates on major conference program initiatives. Thirty-two leaders, including four new chairpersons, joined …
Death Notice: Rev. Donald C. Sweimler
We have received word of the death of the Rev. Donald C. Sweimler, Retired Local Pastor, who died on July 6, 2022. Rev. Sweimler retired in 2012 but continued to serve as Supply Pastor for Green Hill United Methodist Church. …
Death Notice: Mrs. Sally Jean Erisman
We have received word of the passing of Sally Jean Erisman on January 20, 2022. She was the loving spouse to the Rev. Dr. A. Richard “Dick” Erisman, retired Deacon, for over 55 years. Prior to his retirement, Rev. Erisman …
Death Notice: Mrs. Dorothy Witt Kerr
We received word of the passing of Dorothy Witt Kerr on July 12, 2022. She was the widowed spouse of the Rev. Charles S. Kerr, a Retired Elder, who passed in 1999. Rev. Kerr served these appointments with the loving …
Planting a church outdoors and on the move
The Rail Trail Church, sponsored by Hope UMC in Ephrata, is a church outstanding in its field…or rather, in its meadow. That’s where members, friends and neighbors take a short nature walk on two Sundays a month through a grassy …
Latino Commission celebrates faith, family at Camp and Convocation
‘Here is where God stirs their hearts.’ The word reuniones, Spanish for “gatherings,” evokes thoughts of la familia, which describes well the two most important gatherings sponsored annually by the Eastern PA Conference’s Latino Commission. Faith and family are both …
Morton to talk Pathways with church leaders over breakfast
The Eastern PA Conference’s new Leadership Development Manager, the Rev. Steve Morton, invites church leaders to five breakfast gatherings in their districts, from August 1 to Sept. 6, to discuss EPA’s new Pathways to Congregational Fruitfulness & Health. Morton will provide information and…
‘Now Is the Time’ offers a racial justice vision in verse
One song performed during EPA’s Annual Conference in May pronounced a vision of racial justice and harmony. And those who created it hope others will continue to give it voice and make it a favorite among churches and beyond. “Now …
4 Ways to Expand the Reach of Small Groups
Small groups are essential venues of personal and spiritual development for many faith communities. The intimacy of smaller gatherings deepens relational bonds, nurtures trust, and provides a safe space for spiritual exploration, learning, and growth. How can you prevent …
Church grows membership, inspired by worship and teamwork
“Teamwork makes the dream work,” wrote leadership guru John Maxwell in 2002. While the adage is fast becoming cliché, it could nonetheless describe what’s happening at New Hanover UMC in Gilbertsville. Leaders there are focused on forging more cooperation particularly …