Mission Link proves good things can come when adversity hits

It seemed that the year 2020 was a year of tempestuous winds to navigate.

Many congregations and people were struggling to follow new regulations and to maintain social distance from acquaintances, friends, and family. For some, these regulations were easy to follow. We are all different and appreciate life and relationships in distinct ways. The struggles that we are facing during this pandemic might bring the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Camp & Retreat Centers foresee ‘a future with hope’

What a difference a year can make—especially this year, and especially for the four Eastern PA Conference’s Camp & Retreat Ministry (CRM) sites.

“Spring has sprung, and we are so excited,” writes Apryl Miller, Director of Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center in a recent newsletter. Despite the ongoing, debilitating pandemic, she and the other camp directors are hoping to spring forward into CRM-saving time, when their recovering sites can escape the winter of their discontent and thrive once again.

Conference youth are socially distanced but spiritually connected

Most teenagers by Saturday are no doubt tired of looking, listening and talking to computer screens all week for school instruction and social interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, Eastern PA Conference youth gladly gather on-screen twice a month for Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM) meetings that for some have become like talk therapy.

Policing in African American Communities Webinar

Join us for an important discussion to benefit our communities…

The Eastern PA Conference Urban Commission’s Fight for Floyd and Beyond Initiative will sponsor a webinar on African Americans and Policing: Developing Healthy Police and Community Relationships on Thursday, April 22, 6:30 to 8:30 PM on Zoom.

Conference commission leads the way to ‘Dismantling Racism’

Dismantling Racism. The term, growing in use, conveys an apt understanding that this social scourge is large, systemic and complex, with many parts—and that it must be taken apart or demolished from different angles. That is how the Eastern PA Conference is approaching the stubborn sin of racism.

Church needs VIMs to make floors safe for children

There is pent-up energy among the UM Volunteers In Mission community right now. Because of the pandemic, the possibility of an UMVIM journey abroad is zero. And even movement around the nation is not prudent. But opportunities are opening up within our conference boarders.

Church delivers meals for Easter

Although he had participated in meal deliveries to disadvantaged neighbors at Thanksgiving and Christmas, Dick Stiles of Grace UMC in Pen Argyl—located in the Slate Belt region near the Poconos—felt that outreach mission should extend to Easter also. In fact, the extended isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic made an Easter outreach even more imperative for him.