Arch Street UMC in Philadelphia is providing sanctuary for Javier Flores García, 40, an undocumented Mexican immigrant and a husband and father of three. The church, which is part of the national New Sanctuary Movement, welcomed him into asylum the …
Christmas Cards to Inmates idea getting popular
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” a New York Annual Conference staff member reminded Marilyn Schneider, head of our conference’s Prison Ministry & Restorative Justice (PM&RJ) Team, when asking to copy the popular Christmas Cards to Inmates project. In …
Improving race relations on a personal level
The Eastern PA Conference has published three times the Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops’ recent statement promising to work on dismantling racism, healing the pain of violence and oppression, and becoming effective peacemakers. We have published their historic statement, delivered …
Christmas Shoe Box Mission in Montana
Imagine the delight in a child’s eyes as a gaily-wrapped shoebox is opened and its contents appear—brightening the child’s Christmas with carefully chosen toys, books, warm mittens or hats. That’s what will happen this Christmas for children of the Blackfeet …
CoNAM plants peace tree, welcomes Lakota student
The Eastern PA Conference Committee on Native American Ministries planted a ceremonial Tree of Peace and taught tribal social dances, while welcoming guests to a celebrative gathering on Sunday, Nov. 6, at Innabah Camp & Retreat Center. Those guests included …
The saga of Wayne Ghost
By Sherry Wack I have always had an interest in and a heart for Native Americans. I have been supporting Red Cloud School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota for almost 20 years, so I receive their …
Korean church honors founder in gift to First UMC Lancaster
The Chung Dong Methodist Church of Seoul, South Korea, came to First UMC Lancaster bearing generous gifts in song, sermon and sculpture on Sunday, Oct. 23. Yet, their generosity seemed surpassed only by their gratitude for the gift they received …
Dakotas pipeline protests grow with UM support
By John W. Coleman Eastern PA Conference Communications Director Protests are growing to halt the construction of a crude oil pipeline in North Dakota that Native Americans fear will pollute their water and violate sacred burial sites. And more United …
Planting a timely Tree of Peace
By The Rev. Christopher J. Kurien Director of Connectional Ministries November is Native American Heritage Month, and the Eastern PA Conference Committee on Native American Ministries will have a special worship service on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 4 PM, at …
Sending Christmas greetings to prison inmates again
“Teamwork makes the dream work,” goes the popular expression. In 2015 a benevolent dream came true for the Eastern PA Conference Prison Ministry and Restorative Justice Team (PMRJ Team) and for thousands of prison inmates who might have otherwise felt …