The coincidence of Native American Heritage Month and Thanksgiving Day both happening in November may be troubling to some who know the grim history of brutal oppression and exploitation of Indigenous Americans by early European invaders and settlers. EPA’s Committee …
Message from Bishop Schol: Follow-up from Clergy Gathering
Dear Clergy Colleagues, Thank you for taking the time to meet with me last week. I understand that everyone could not make it because of other commitments, and we missed you. It was a good time of worship and fellowship …
Rev. Reinhard Kruse
We have been notified of the passing of The Rev. Reinhard Kruse, who died November 11, 2022. Rev. Reinhard served the North Texas Conference for 12 years before moving to the Eastern PA Conference, where he served the following churches: …
State of the NEJ Episcopal Address by Bishop John Schol
As the Northeastern Jurisdiction, we gather together to be in ministry with the world. Yet there are those who are troubled among us. There are United Methodists among us today and in our congregations who feel harmed, unheard and unseen…
Rev. Wesley Gary Epler
We have received word of the death of the Rev. Wesley Gary Epler, retired Elder, who passed away on October 28, 2022. Rev. Epler retired in 2000. He and his wife of over 50 years, Martha, were residents at Brethren …
Summit urges churches to speak out against mass incarceration
Attendees of the sixth National Summit on Mass Incarceration were urged to go back into their churches and communities and open conversations about ways they can work toward criminal justice reform…
NEJ Conference to elect 2 bishops, celebrate milestones
The 21st Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference will officially convene next Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 2-4, at the University of Maryland Hotel in College Park, Md. But the 184 delegates and reserves will first gather on Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 31 and …
Pathways video now subtitled in Spanish
The new Pathways to Congregational Fruitfulness & Health video now has a version with Spanish-language subtitles for EPA members who want to view it with that additional feature. The Rev. Lisa DePaz, EPA Latino Ministries Coordinator, translated the video script and …
Men’s group marks 30 years of monthly breakfasts
Bethel Hill UMC in Lansdale, the second oldest Methodist Church in Pennsylvania, is 252 years old. But the UM Men’s group there recently celebrated an anniversary almost as impressive as their church’s. They have gathered monthly to enjoy a savory …
From Ashes to Rebirth: Centralia UMC’s legacy alive
On a gorgeous late-October afternoon, Oct. 22, an audience of about 50 gathered in the sanctuary of Zion UMC in Aristes for the “From Ashes to Rebirth” event: a celebration of the legacy of the Centralia UMC, which was closed …