By Rev. James Lee jlee@gnjumc.org For many pastors and church leaders, reporting and form-filling is akin to the dreaded task of sorting through a mountain of laundry on a weekend afternoon—necessary, yet decidedly not exciting. However, things are about to …
‘Here I Am, Send Me’: Call to Ministry Worship Service
Use this suggested order of worship to celebrate the call to ministry, prepared by two of our EPA pastors and members of the Board of Ordained Ministry. It’s titled Here I Am, Send Me: Call to Ministry Worship Service. Plan to use …
Creating a culture of calling to pastoral ministry is crucial now
“I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’” (Isaiah 6:8a) Although I don’t condone its tone or tactics, HBO Max’s dramatic series, Succession, is wildly popular. It’s all about the …
Workshop will help churches prepare for pastoral transitions
The EPA Transition Workshop for New Pastoral Appointments, to help churches receive new pastors, will be offered twice, May 4, at 7:00 p.m., and May 6, at 9:00 a.m., both via Zoom. Each participating church should form a transition team to attend the …
Breakthrough’s new website is here to help revitalize worship
It’s here! We’ve just launched the new colorful, easy-to-use website for our Breakthrough worship resource for United Methodists of Eastern PA and Greater NJ. Check it out at Breakthrough Worship Resources (breakthroughseries.org). The new site provides easy access to Breakthrough’s free, time-saving, creative …
Latino Commission’s Holy Convocation inspires prayer, unity
From all regions of the Eastern PA Conference, members of its Latino/Hispanic Commission came together to strengthen their unity in the Holy Spirit at their annual Holy Convocation on Saturday, April 15, at Casa del Rey UMC in Allentown, PA. …
EPA camps prepare for a bountiful summer during a busy spring
All four Eastern PA Camp & Retreat Centers are hoping and preparing for a record-breaking Summer Camp season, as they register eager young campers and recruit dedicated staff and volunteers to ensure a socially and spiritually sensational summer for all. …
Apply for grants in May to pay higher education costs
Application period: May 1-13, 2023 On May 1 the Education Society of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference will begin accepting grant applications to help worthy United Methodist students pay the cost of higher education for the 2023-2024 school year. The grants …
Camps to host spiritual renewal retreats for clergy
All EPA clergy are invited to three upcoming, free spiritual renewal retreats. The first, titled Rhythms of Grace, will happen on Wednesday, April 19, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Pocono Plateau Camp & Retreat Center in Cresco. The Rev. …
Appeals judge upholds BSA plan, including UMC settlement
Bishop John Schol notified all United Methodist bishops on Tuesday, March 28, of a federal appeals court judge’s ruling that upheld the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) reorganization plan, which includes our $30 million United Methodist Settlement with the survivors’ …