EPA&GNJ staff leaders met April 27 at EPA’s Carson Simpson Farm Camp & Retreat Center to learn about each conference’s work to end the sin of racism and to explore how they might work together in affiliation. “We saw significant …
Moving Forward on Two Journeys to End the Sin of Racism
Published in NEWSpirit newspaper, Summer 2023 issue. The United Methodists of Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey are committed to “Ending the Sin of Racism,” a clarion call answered in both conferences by some promising initiatives. They include coaching, giving …
EPA, GNJ CoNAMS share friendship beyond borders
Both the Eastern PA and Greater New Jersey annual conferences in May will begin with a traditional ceremony acknowledging the land we occupy as once owned by Native American people, particularly the Lenni-Lenape nation who inhabited land in what is …
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. …
Home From School: The Children of Carlisle: EPA CoNAM to show documentary April 30
In 2012 the United Methodist Church’s General Conference held an Act of Repentance with Native Peoples, challenging the church to implement actions that demonstrate a genuine attitude of repentance and healing. A key element of this repentance is learning and …
POWER Interfaith to host Phila. mayoral candidates forum April 16
POWER Interfaith will convene leaders from 60 Philadelphia area congregations to talk with the city’s 2023 mayoral candidates April 16, at 3-6 p.m., about what it will take to make their communities safer. The interfaith anti-racism social change organization’s Faith …
EPA clergy of color invited to renewal retreat in June
Just weeks after an Annual Conference focused on the theme “Possibility,” Eastern PA clergy of color will get to explore their own possibilities of learning self-renewal and restoration through a joyful, guided process of spiritual and emotional nurture. And they …
Veterans Day: Honoring former Buffalo Soldier, revered church scoutmaster
As America honors its military veterans on Friday, Nov. 11, Wharton-Wesley UMC in Philadelphia, is proud that one of its own served during World War II in a U.S. Army unit with a special inherited history. Louis M. Stukes Sr., …
Wholeness Centers to spur BIPOC church-community ministry partnerships
The Eastern PA Conference is placing a new milestone on its justice-centered Dismantling Racism: Path Toward Wholeness initiative with the launch of its Wholeness Centers program this month. Wholeness Centers are intentional church-based partnerships with local residents and groups in …
‘Now Is the Time’ offers a racial justice vision in verse
One song performed during EPA’s Annual Conference in May pronounced a vision of racial justice and harmony. And those who created it hope others will continue to give it voice and make it a favorite among churches and beyond. “Now …