Bishop speaks to caucus concerns BY JOHN W. COLEMAN Philadelphia Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR) has a new Web presence at www.epaumc.org/bmcr, hosted by the Eastern PA Conference website. The caucus represents interests and concerns of predominantly black Eastern …
Reflections on BMCR’s 51st General Meeting
By the Rev. Shayla Johnson
BMCR Philadelphia Coordinator
The 51st General Meeting of National Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR), March 13-17, in Sacramento, Calif., drew a smaller attendance than the 500 who came to the 2017, 50th anniversary meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio. About 162 registered persons attended this year’s meeting, where there was less pomp and circumstance but nonetheless, important matters and decisions to consider, along with celebrative worship and fellowship.
A ride to the rally to end racism
The Commission on Religion & Race (CORR) invites Eastern PA Conference members, families and friends to join a one-day freedom and fellowship ride to the nation’s capital on Wednesday, April 4, to rally against the scourge of racism…
BMCR looks to the future
(UMNS)–Black Methodists for Church Renewal recently gathered here in a mood of gratitude, but also of anticipation. “We give thanks for the past 50 years … but God is declaring there is a next level in our future,” said the Rev. Antoine “Tony” Love, the group’s vice chairman…
Church invites all to Black History Explosion
Haven-Peniel UMC in Philadelphia invites everyone to come learn about “the African American experience from then till now” during its “Black History Explosion” on Saturday, Feb. 24, 5 to 7 PM, followed by dinner.
Blest be a broken tie that binds
St. George’s UMC worships at St. Thomas African Episcopal Church The Rev. Mark Salvacion, the new pastor of Philadelphia’s Historic St. George’s UMC—and its first non-white pastor—preached at St. Thomas African Episcopal Church on Sunday, Feb. 11, observing the 200th …
Help children learn about Dr. King
We have some great ideas and resources to help your church families and children explore the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during (and after) this weekend’s national observance of his birthday. See the timeless treasures that …
Churches, communities to honor MLK this weekend
A new national record may be set this weekend when more than 150,000 expected volunteers go into action during the 23rd Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend and Day of Service. Many United Methodists are likely to be …
More Rivers to Cross: Black caucus celebrates 50-year legacy
(Adapted from UMNS version) CINCINNATI—More than 400 members of The United Methodist Church’s African-American membership caucus celebrated the 50th anniversary of its earliest beginnings, even as many speakers addressed work that still needs to be done in fighting racism and inequity …
Reflections on racial dialogues
A supplement to the NEWSpirit Winter 2017 article, “District dialogues offer ‘real talk’ about race” At our request, a number of clergy participants in recent racial dialogue and learning events, sponsored by four districts, kindly shared their reactions and reflections …