In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Genesis 1:1–2, NIV) In the …
Connection at the heart: Diana Wrisley awarded the Walter King Lay Leadership Award
To be a strong leader in the church requires both commitment and flexibility—being grounded in God while remaining open to the movement of the Spirit. Diana Wrisley, former dean of the Laity Academy, is just such a leader. This year, …
Salvation is my only meal
I don’t like hospitals, and it seems paradoxical that a place where you can receive so much help, even have your life saved, can provoke so much rejection in a person who finds themselves confined to them. And yet, there …
A global awakening: evidence of revival among young people
This is the second article in a three-part series on the “Quiet Revival.” Data and stories from around the world reveal strong spiritual engagement among young people In Part 1 of this series, “Glimpses of a quiet revival,” Rev. Gina …
EPA United Women in Faith Annual Celebration
The Eastern PA Conference United Women in Faith has booked David Garlock, a nationally known speaker for our Annual Celebration on October 18. David’s background: As young men, David and his brother killed their abuser. They were convicted and sentenced to 25 …
Glimpses of a ‘Quiet Revival’ in our midst
One of the blessings of my role is that on most Sundays, I get to travel to new churches, to experience their worship, and meet new friends. When you attend a new church, there are many things to experience. The …
Laity Academy delivers sure foundation of practical and theological education
On Saturday, August 2, 2025, ninety people gathered at Eastern University to take part in the 2025 Laity Academy. They came to gather in community, to grow, and to continue building on the foundation of excellent lay training laid forth …
Mission U 2025 inspired participants to make hope a daily practice
On July 18–19, United Women in Faith sponsored Mission u, a time for women and men to embrace the work of mission and grow deeper together. Some came to partake once again in a rhythm that had guided their summers …
Certified Lay Ministers recognized June 1, 2025
Six new Eastern PA Certified Lay Ministers (CLMs) “graduated” in a Service of Recognition June 1, at Ranck’s United Methodist Church in New Holland. In its 16th year, the conference program now has 80 active CLMs, and 17 of them are …
August 2025 Laity Academy Registration Now Open
The 41st EPAUMC Laity Academy will be held on August 1st and 2nd on the beautiful campus of Eastern University, just outside of Philadelphia in Saint Davids, PA. Registration opens on campus at 4 PM on August 1, with a …