Paola Rosas Weed learned that her large family had survived the devastating earthquake that struck Mexico City in September. But she knew that, having left their homes and living in their cars and makeshift shelters…
Praying, singing as white supremacists rally
The Rev. Laurie Raulston said she came to counter a white-supremacist rally in Shelbyville because she needed to live out her baptismal vows. She was among an ecumenical group… Continue reading on UMC.org
Christmas Cards for Inmates ministry grows
Deadline for cards is Nov. 6 The best gifts keep on giving, and that’s what is happening with the Christmas Cards for Inmates Project, a growing initiative of the Eastern PA Conference Prison Ministry & Restorative Justice (PMRJ) Team. In …
Phila. church’s 11-month sanctuary guest goes home with family
“This was a love story,” said the Rev. Robin Hynicka, lead pastor of Arch Street UMC in Philadelphia, celebrating the emancipation of his church’s beloved sanctuary guest after nearly a year in residence there. “It was all about how the …
Puerto Rico Methodists respond to ‘catastrophe.’
By the Rev. Gustavo Vasquez and Linda Bloom Oct. 5, 2017 | UMNS The Methodist Church of Puerto Rico has activated an emergency strategy to respond to community needs following Hurricane Maria. “My definition of the situation is the same …
Let’s celebrate ‘Hispanic Provision & Care Month’
This is one of the saddest Hispanic Heritage months (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) that I have experienced since I came to live in Pennsylvania. Celebration is not the same since we heard about Puerto Rico being hit by Hurricanes Irma and …
Bishop, supporters advocate for DREAMers
As usual, Bishop Peggy Johnson is receiving both impassioned agreement and vehement opposition to her advocacy for justice and mercy for undocumented immigrants. Some or those voicing the latter sentiment typically tell her she should stay away from politics and …
Christmas Cards for Inmates in Eastern PA, 2017
Can you imagine how it would feel to be separated from your friends and loved ones at Christmas? Inmates who are incarcerated can find it difficult to maintain connections with important people in their lives. At holidays, their distance, and the …
Urging more churches to promote Native American ministry
The Eastern PA Conference Committee on Native American Ministries (CoNAM) wants to reach, teach, encourage and resource all congregations to learn about and participate in this largely overlooked area of ministry so important to The United Methodist Church. The CoNAM …
Church leaders seek ways to respond to end of DACA
President Donald Trump’s decision to end DACA, the federal program that shields from deportation nearly a million young immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally by their parents, will affect just a few members of Casa del Pueblo, a Latino/a ministry …