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 …
A Message from DS Morton – December 30, 2021
“Darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples – but the Lord will rise upon YOU.” (Isaiah 60:2a) Sometimes we’ve got to laugh, just to keep from crying. Life’s not easy: you think you’ve got it covered, and then something …
Best Safety Practices during Increasing COVID Transmission
As of January 4, 2022, the Eastern PA Conference Office will be on modified lockdown, out of an abundance of caution for our staff due to the ongoing Omicron wave of COVID-19 cases in Montgomery County and beyond. Most staff will continue their …