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 …
Possible! Episcopal Address by Bishop John Schol
Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference, Presented May 18, 2023 View this address at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ps2qeqlirs&t=19018s at timecode 05:17:35. Welcome back! You look marvelous, and it is great to be back together in person! All Things Are Possible I see great possibility before …
Both/And: August online book study to explore hybrid worship
Register now for Both/And: Maximizing Hybrid Worship Experience, the next author-led book study for EPA&GNJ conference members, sponsored by EPA’s Congregational Development Team. Join author Jason Moore, worship technology pioneer, as he discusses his book and practical research insights via Zoom …
The Culture of the Call, Part III: The Influence of the Church
“The gifts He gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastorsand teachers…” (Ephesians 4:11) What makes the local church a producer of excellent candidates for pastoral ministry? In the sacred Scriptures, God does most of the …
4 new Certified Lay Ministers bring EPA current total to 70
Four new Eastern PA Certified Lay Ministers (CLMs) “graduated” in a Service of Recognition June 11, at Asbury United Methodist Church in Allentown. In its 14th year, the conference program now has 70 active CLMs, and 16 of them are …
EPA Awardees Honored for Evangelism, Urban Ministries
About 30 people gathered April 22 for the 2023 Eastern PA Annual Conference awards ceremony at Christ United Methodist Church in Fairless Hills—a 30-minute, video-recorded ceremony where plaques and framed certificates were given out and brief remarks were shared. A …
‘Here I Am, Send Me’: Call to Ministry Worship Service
Use this suggested order of worship to celebrate the call to ministry, prepared by two of our EPA pastors and members of the Board of Ordained Ministry. It’s titled Here I Am, Send Me: Call to Ministry Worship Service. Plan to use …
Creating a culture of calling to pastoral ministry is crucial now
“I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’” (Isaiah 6:8a) Although I don’t condone its tone or tactics, HBO Max’s dramatic series, Succession, is wildly popular. It’s all about the …
Workshop will help churches prepare for pastoral transitions
The EPA Transition Workshop for New Pastoral Appointments, to help churches receive new pastors, will be offered twice, May 4, at 7:00 p.m., and May 6, at 9:00 a.m., both via Zoom. Each participating church should form a transition team to attend the …
Breakthrough’s new website is here to help revitalize worship
It’s here! We’ve just launched the new colorful, easy-to-use website for our Breakthrough worship resource for United Methodists of Eastern PA and Greater NJ. Check it out at Breakthrough Worship Resources (breakthroughseries.org). The new site provides easy access to Breakthrough’s free, time-saving, creative …