Eastern PA clergy and lay members are invited to submit, by January 15, up to two names of clergy the Annual Conference may consider, when it meets in May, to nominate for election to the office of Bishop in 2024. …

EPA, seminaries explore cultivating a Culture of Call
The number of young elders in The United Methodist Church reached a record low number in 2023, the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary, reported in October. (The center also published in May, “Who will be God’s …

Entre Nos: Hispanic clergy gather to focus on fellowship, wellbeing, ministry
Hispanic/Latino clergy of The United Methodist Church met to explore facets of their wellbeing in life and ministry together, October 30 to November 1, in Phoenix, Arizona. EPA&GNJ clergy attended the national gathering, titled “Entre Nos” (Among Us) and coordinated …

2024 EPA Local Pastor Licensing School dates and dean announced
Local Pastor Licensing School registration will be from December 1 to January 15.Click here to register. Eastern PA’s fully online 2024 Local Pastor Licensing School will begin in February, led by its new Dean, the Rev. John Bletsch. Registration will …

Clergy find soul-care at ‘Reset’ spiritual retreat
Over 70 clergy serving in the Eastern PA Conference—including several from Greater New Jersey—found much-needed soul-support during a free, daylong retreat for spiritual renewal Sept. 20, at the Daylesford Abbey in Paoli, Chester County. The monastery was an ideal setting—both …

EPA groups begin planning leadership succession for 2024-2028
EPA’s Committee on Leadership convened leaders of conference boards and committees September 28, via Zoom, to discuss leadership needs for the 2024-2028 quadrennium, including timely succession of chairpersons. “All groups will have changes in membership, and some will have changes …

By Water & the Spirit: Theology & Practice of Baptism
EPA’s Board of Ordained Ministry will again offer its study of the sacrament of Baptism this fall. By Water & the Spirit: Theology & Practice of Baptism will be presented via Zoom on two Saturdays, October 28 and November 11, …

Living into Baptism through Diakonia
Diakonia is a strange Greek word. It is often translated as service. But diakonia means much more than simply doing things for others. It is an essential part of Christian identity and discipleship. It is about who we are and …

Clergy invited to ‘reset’ at spiritual retreat, Sept. 20
Enjoy a day of spiritual retreat and renewal on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Daylesford Abbey, a monastery located in Paoli, Chester County. This time of respite is designed for pastors who welcome fresh training, …

Finding best practices of restoring mental, spiritual health
“David took the lyre and played it with his hand. Saul would be relieved and feel better, and the evil spirit would depart from him.” (I Samuel 16:23b) “‘You know you’re in trouble when your colleague recommends their antidepressants,’ begins …