Every year, Eastern Pennsylvania’s Laity Academy presents the Walter King Lay Leadership award to a layperson who has unselfishly given their time and talents to serve others through their local church, their District, the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, or the Laity …
EPAUMC Laity Academy announces two Zoom classes for the Fall of 2026
Healing Communities Training is a national model for clergy and congregations to offer restoration and healing for everyone affected by the criminal justice system and become a station of hope. The class is sponsored by the EPA Conference Prison Ministry …
Pull up a chair: Why LAPI is for you, too
There is a moment that happens in almost every church.It’s not during the sermon.It’s not during a committee meeting.It’s not even during worship. It’s the conversation in the hallway. The volunteer who notices someone sitting alone. The person who organizes …
EPA celebrates six new CLM graduates
On Sunday, June 28, 2026 six lay members of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference became Certified Lay Ministers (CLM) in a ceremony at Christ United Methodist Church, Broomall. The Rev. Dr. Jesse Coale, pastor of Christ UMC, Broomall, warmly welcomed everyone. …
Register today for the 2026 Laity Academy: Foundations of Faith
“God set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.” -Psalm 40:2b-3a Before the frame of a house can be raised, a strong foundation …
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 …
The Foundation for Evangelism Laity Awards
Call for Nominations The Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference is now accepting nominations for The Foundation for Evangelism Laity Award, formerly the Denman Award. This award honors laity with exceptional evangelistic ministries that bring people into a life- transforming relationship with …
Connection at the heart: Diana Wrisley awarded the Walter King Lay Leadership Award
To be a strong leader in the church requires both commitment and flexibility—being grounded in God while remaining open to the movement of the Spirit. Diana Wrisley, former dean of the Laity Academy, is just such a leader. This year, …
Laity Academy delivers sure foundation of practical and theological education
On Saturday, August 2, 2025, ninety people gathered at Eastern University to take part in the 2025 Laity Academy. They came to gather in community, to grow, and to continue building on the foundation of excellent lay training laid forth …
Certified Lay Ministers recognized June 1, 2025
Six new Eastern PA Certified Lay Ministers (CLMs) “graduated” in a Service of Recognition June 1, at Ranck’s United Methodist Church in New Holland. In its 16th year, the conference program now has 80 active CLMs, and 17 of them are …