“In the midst of deeply felt challenges to our health, our churches and our society, it is normal for stress and anxiety to increase.” Thus begins a letter sent recently by the joint EPA&GNJ Cabinet to all clergy and chairs …
Laity Sunday: Rise Up and Testify to God’s Grace!
Laity Sunday is observed on the third Sunday in October (October 16, 2022). Each year The United Methodist Church celebrates the ministry and witness of laypersons everywhere through a special service. The Greater New Jersey Conference’s Breakthrough Resource is offering …
New Conference Lay Leader wants to first listen, then lead
William Preston “Bill” Thompson, our new Eastern PA Conference Lay Leader, wants to speak up for the concerns of laity. But first he wants to listen. He likes to share a favorite maxim of his dad’s about having two …
17 laity complete North District cluster’s regional academy
Eastern PA Conference churches in the northwestern part of the North District resumed their annual, regional Laity Academy at Elysburg UMC in September after a two-year hiatus caused by the Covid pandemic.
CLM Class of 2023 Program
Certified Lay Minister Program Class of 2023 Certification 2024 Introduction Orientation Sessions for Admission April 1, 2023: session dates, times, and locations in 2022. Contact Judy to register your attendance preference, attendance at one introduction-orientation session is required for program …
From a nudge, Leap of Faith praise band takes flight
“Right before the beginning of Covid shutdowns a small group of young adults who love music were nudged to begin a praise band.” That’s how the Rev. Jean Howe, former pastor of Grace UMC in Reading, began her email message …
‘Building Communities of Hope and Joy’ at Mission u
“God’s desire for us is to build communities of hope and joy.” The Eastern PA Conference United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women) invite all to join in exploring that inspiring, unifying desire at monthlong sessions of Mission u …
New Certified Lay Ministers persevere together while apart
Six new Certified Lay Ministers (CLMs) “graduated” in a Service of Recognition June 5, at Salem UMC in Orwigsburg. After months of class sessions on Zoom, they met each other in person there for the first time. Yet, despite so …
EPA honors churches, leaders for the fruit they bear
“Be purposeful and fruitful.” That creative challenge is in the last line of Bishop John Schol’s April 4 essay titled “ Direction: A Key Ingredient for Successful Leadership – Part 2: Mission.” He reminds us of the Eastern PA Conference’s mission: “Recruit …
Laity Session to nominate next Lay Leader, April 2
The Eastern PA Conference Laity Session will nominate a new Conference Lay Leader when it convenes online, via Zoom, on Saturday, April 2, at 10 AM. David Koch (right), Conference Lay Leader for eight years, since 2014, will open the …