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 …
NEW Matching Challenge! Undies for Easter
People are responding to our Undies for Easter campaign to provide vital undergarments for Philadelphia’s incarcerated individuals. Thank you! We are at approximately 25% of our goal at this time, with 2.5 weeks to go. Step up for our new challenge: a generous …
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 …
Called Forward by Black History Month
As we have observed Black History Month, we give thanks for the profound faith, resilience, leadership, and witness of Black communities— within our church and throughout our nation’s history. Black history is not a side note to the story of …