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“Seek the Lord while God may be found; call upon God while God is near.” (Isaiah 55:6, Adapted)

We are looking forward to the 2026 Annual Conference for The United Methodists of Eastern Pennsylvania that will take place May 19-21, 2026 at the Wildwood Convention Center, Wildwood, NJ. Planning continues and we will keep you updated.

REGISTER FOR THE 2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
INFO fOR open Wildwood restaurants during May

SCHEDULE

Agenda for Tuesday, May 19

12:30 p.m. Optional Reception with EPA&GNJ - Join for a time of refreshments & fellowship (Outside Ballrooms)
12:30 p.m. LAPI Luncheon
1:00 p.m. Open Registration & Fellowship (refreshments available)
Vendor Exhibits
3:00 p.m. Clergy Executive Session – Ballrooms
Laity Session – West Hall
5:00 p.m. Clergy Dinner – Ballrooms
Laity Dinner – East Hall
6:30 p.m. Clergy organize for Processional/Robing – Ballrooms
7:00 p.m.

Celebration of Ministry Service  – West Hall
Commissioning, Ordination & Service of Passage 

Agenda for Wednesday, May 20

7:00 a.m. Breakfast on your own
Group prearranged breakfasts
7:45 a.m. Communion on the Beach – Convention Center Deck Ocean Side
8:15 a.m. Praise and Worship – West Hall
8:30 a.m. Early Morning Bible Study – West Hall
9:30 a.m. Organizing the Conference
9:40 a.m. Episcopal Address
10:10 a.m.

Business and Legislation
Relating to Updates and Changes to the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Rules of Order
Denouncing Dehumanizing Immigration Enforcement and Calling the Church to Faithful Witness
Resolution on Supporting the Shelter First Act
Supporting Church’s and Clergy’s Theological Position
Church Closures
11:00 a.m. Memorial Service of Remembrance with Communion
12:15 p.m. Lunch & Mission Project – East Hall and East Deck
Bishop’s Luncheon with memorial service families
1:30 p.m. Praise and Worship – West Hall
1:40 p.m. Scholarship Appeal and Offering – West Hall
1:45 p.m.

Business and Legislation
2027 Budget
Resolution on the Use of Comprehensive Sex Education Resources in Congregational Life
Resolution on Ensuring Just Wages and Benefits in United Methodist Congregations
Resolution on Transparency and Access to Benefits for Lay Employees and Deacons
Exploring Pension and Health Benefit Coverage for Deacons, Deaconesses, and Home Missioners
Nominations & Leadership Report
3:45 p.m.

Monitoring Report
Upon Adjournment Small Group Meetings:

  • Order of Elders & Commissioning towards Elders in Ballroom A 
  • Order of Deacons & Commissioning towards Deacon in Conference Room
  • Fellowship of Local Pastors & Associate Members in Ballroom B
  • Deaconess & Home Missioner Meetings in Conference Room
  • Christ Servant Ministers/Certified Lay Ministers/Lay Supply Pastors in Ballroom C
6:30 p.m. Ordinand & Class of 2026 Retiree Dinner
Dinner for groups and individuals at the convention center (pre-arranged) 

Agenda for Thursday, May 21

7:00 a.m. Breakfast on your own
Group prearranged breakfasts
7:45 a.m. Communion on the Beach – Convention Center Deck Ocean Side
8:15 a.m. Praise and Worship – West Hall
 8:30 a.m. Early Morning Bible Study – West Hall
 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Appointments – West Hall
9:45 a.m. Monitoring Report
10:00 a.m. Youth and Young Adult Offering
10:10 a.m.

Business and Legislation
Equitable Compensation 2027
Rental/Housing Allowance Designation
Ministerial Pension Rate for Pre-82
Advance Specials
11:30 a.m. Closing Worship
12:00 p.m. Adjournment
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Annual Conference