Last July, Grace United Methodist Church in Philadelphia began a new prayer practice. Every weekday at 7am, they gather for a half-hour community prayer call that anyone can join by phone. The ministry, called “Grace without Walls,” extends beyond church …
Pathways Bridges inspires congregations to move “from the table to the streets”
Across communities, congregations participating in Pathways Bridges are reimagining what it means to be the church, shifting from inward-focused ministry to meaningful community engagement. For many, Bridges has become more than a series of workshops. It is a community bonded …
Divided We Fell, Together We Rose: How a Food Bank Came Back to Life
At first glance, the church appears much like any other United Methodist congregation—its sign bearing the familiar cross and flame, tall columns welcoming visitors, and a carillon marking the hours. Yet beyond this ordinary exterior lies a story shaped by …
Preaching Institute Summit inspires preachers through community
Every preacher knows the moment. It’s late in the week. The sanctuary is empty. A passage of scripture sits open on the desk, waiting for clarity that hasn’t quite arrived yet. Somewhere between prayer, study, and the weight of Sunday …
Three Questions?
In April 2001, I was appointed by the first Korean-American bishop, Hae-Jong Kim, to plant a new Korean-American church in the Greater Pittsburgh area. This ministry was intended to serve Korean immigrants, second-generation Korean Americans, and intercultural families. Before my …
Faith Friends ministry gives those with memory loss recreation and relationship, offers caregivers respite
Living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can be an isolating experience for those with the diagnosis and for their caregivers—often family members who love and walk beside them each day. Doctors and social workers provide indispensable care, but they cannot …
IGNITE inspires renewed youth activity at Teaneck UMC
EPA & GNJ are blessed with lots of opportunities for youth to experience community, test out the waters of faith, and grow closer to their connection to God. In countless church basements, fellowship halls and youth rooms across both conferences …
Cultivate internships: A win-win for young leaders & churches
In a season when young leaders are craving meaningful spiritual experiences and churches are seeking ways to engage young people, an opportunity like Cultivate is a win-win for everyone involved. Cultivate is a summer internship program that gives students a …
ATTENTION ALL LAITY… It’s Conference Lay Leader Nomination time!
FROM: Conference Board of Lay Ministry As you may be aware, William Thompson is concluding his first term as Lay Leader of the Annual Conference. While Bill is willing to serve another term and The Book of Discipline 2020/2024 allows …
Embracing Curiosity with Alyssa Ruch, Director of Pathway Bridges
Pathway Bridges, a Lilly grant-funded program, has been equipping churches to bridge the gap between the church and the community since 2022. New cohorts launched in the spring and fall of 2025. Three years in, there’s still an aura of …