This year, our Camp & Retreat Ministries directors formed a task force to create a brand new curriculum for our overnight summer camp programs at Gretna Glen, Innabah, and Pocono Plateau. Throughout the winter months, a dedicated team of staff …
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 …
Black caucus wrestles with immigration injustice
Before Deborah Bass began her chairperson’s address to open the annual meeting of United Methodism’s Black membership caucus last month, she treated her audience to the sound of R&B vocalist Marvin Gaye’s 1971 signature song, “What’s Going On.” She smiled …
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 …
Undies for Easter campaign affirms dignity, creates connection
Ahead of Easter each year, Rev. Marilyn Schneider, EPA’s Prison Ministries Coordinator asks Rev. Carmelo Urena, the Head Chaplain of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP), what he needs most. Each year since 2022, except for one year when toiletries …
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 …
Connectional Tables of EPA & GNJ gather to discern priorities for each annual conference
There are many leadership maxims that proclaim the importance of vision, including Proverbs 29:18a which boldly proclaims, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” But how does a leader arrive at a vision that inspires and unites those they …
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 …