First UMC of Germantown (FUMCOG) in Philadelphia will host an important racial dialogue Jan. 16, the day after the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. The event will feature a United Methodist pastor who led efforts to foster peace in …
‘I was in prison and you visited me.’
Cabinet emulates Matthew 25:36 The terrible human cost of high incarceration rates–among the highest in the world–became a critical concern in 2015 for U.S. politicians, the media and other social critics, even prompting an historic first-time visit to a prison …
‘Open wide your hearts!’
Called to welcome suffering sojourners
This Friday, Dec. 18, many people will recognize International Migrants Day. And on Thursday, Dec. 10, many observed International Human Rights Day. These observances, although barely known to most, are significant and timely in light of the refugee and migrant crises happening right …
Race Matters: Seeking to bridge the divide
White privilege, inter-cultural, micro-aggressions, unconscious bias, cultural competency, racial equity… While “prejudice,” “diversity” and “inclusiveness” may be familiar terms to many, these more in-depth concepts are becoming known by an increasing number of Eastern PA Conference members, as they engage …
World AIDS Day–One church fights AIDS Stigma
December 1 is World AIDS Day, a day when many of us remember precious lives lost to this global, still incurable disease and focus our concern on people living with HIV and AIDS today and the ongoing challenge we face …
Prison Ministry promotes hope, healing and Christmas joy
Nearly 20 churches across five districts report involvement in prison ministries and restorative justice efforts, ranging from visitations, Bible studies and Kairos (Emmaus) programs, to providing necessities and assisting parolees with job searches, computer skills training and other needs. The …
Conference launches #BlackChurchesMatter funding appeal
Leaders and friends of African American United Methodist churches in the Eastern PA Conference, including Bishop Peggy Johnson and members of her Cabinet, met at the Conference Office Thursday, Nov. 19, to endorse the recent launch of an online fundraising …
November is Native American Heritage Month
The Dakota tribe teaches, “We will be known forever by the tracks we leave behind.” Native American Heritage Month, a national celebration since 1990, honors the contributions and heritage of Native Americans. Also in 1990, the U.S. Congress passed the Native …
A Call to Repentance and Reconciliation
“The Act of Repentance toward Healing Relationships with Indigenous People” asks us to “recognize the harm inflicted by the Church and celebrate the gifts indigenous people bring to the Church.” We cannot build bridges of reconciliation without “listening and learning …
Churchgoers join push to rename Columbus Day
Should the second Monday in October celebrate Christopher Columbus? A number of United Methodists, including some in Philadelphia, say no. Church members have joined efforts in Oklahoma and other parts of the U.S. to change the day into one that honors …