The Eastern PA Conference Domestic Violence Committee will sponsor its eighth annual seminar October 20-21 to address a widespread, often lethal problem that afflicts many families, intimate-partner relationships and even churches. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. “Healing from …
Thank You for IGNITE 2023! Youth Conference Recap
Dear Friends, We are still basking in the glow of the incredible IGNITE Conference we just shared! This year’s theme “Belong” truly resonated with each of us, as reflected in our theme verse: “So in Christ we, though many, form …
Bethlehem church serves church, community in local Mission Blitz Week
Forty-one members of Epworth United Methodist Church in Bethlehem shared in a fast and furious, one-week Mission Blitz, this past summer, serving needs of others in their church and community. It was an intergenerational labor of love, with volunteers ranging …
Lancaster church to open year-round shelter for homeless neighbors
Otterbein United Methodist Church in Lancaster will open its spacious, rarely used fellowship hall as a year-round emergency, overnight shelter for homeless neighbors starting December 1, in response to an urgent appeal from the city. The historic church will have …
EPA groups begin planning leadership succession for 2024-2028
EPA’s Committee on Leadership convened leaders of conference boards and committees September 28, via Zoom, to discuss leadership needs for the 2024-2028 quadrennium, including timely succession of chairpersons. “All groups will have changes in membership, and some will have changes …
By Water & the Spirit: Theology & Practice of Baptism
EPA’s Board of Ordained Ministry will again offer its study of the sacrament of Baptism this fall. By Water & the Spirit: Theology & Practice of Baptism will be presented via Zoom on two Saturdays, October 28 and November 11, …
Living into Baptism through Diakonia
Diakonia is a strange Greek word. It is often translated as service. But diakonia means much more than simply doing things for others. It is an essential part of Christian identity and discipleship. It is about who we are and …
Learn to prepare for a Congregational Racism Audit
For churches seeking a path toward ending the sin of racism, looking inward may be a good first step. Eastern PA’s Healing the Wounds of Racism core team will help churches prepare to take that step with a workshop titled …
Use new Breakthrough worship resources to celebrate Laity Sunday in October
The United Methodist Church will observe Laity Sunday October 15, and churches in Eastern PA and Greater New Jersey are invited to celebrate that special Sunday—on any convenient Sunday in October—with the theme “All the World Needs Our Witness.” Drawn …