The Eastern PA Conference is placing a new milestone on its justice-centered Dismantling Racism: Path Toward Wholeness initiative with the launch of its Wholeness Centers program this month. Wholeness Centers are intentional church-based partnerships with local residents and groups in …
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 …
Musicians partner with camp, church to spread gospel in verse
Ripe Creatives, a collective of young, dynamic, Christian poets, singers and rappers, has been delighting and discipling campers and staff at EPA’s Carson Simpson Farm Christian Center in Hatboro this summer. And they will bring their message-rich music—sung and spoken—to …
Project Restoration to host 4 CCYM Youth Days of Service
The EPA Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM) will sponsor four Youth Days of Service in each of our four districts this fall, engaging youth in volunteer disaster recovery work with EPA’s Project Restoration…
Connectional Table learns about EPA goals, plans, progress
EPA’s Connectional Table, a gathering of staff and elected chairpersons of various conference committees, met July 12 via Zoom to hear and respond to reported plans and updates on major conference program initiatives. Thirty-two leaders, including four new chairpersons, joined …
Planting a church outdoors and on the move
The Rail Trail Church, sponsored by Hope UMC in Ephrata, is a church outstanding in its field…or rather, in its meadow. That’s where members, friends and neighbors take a short nature walk on two Sundays a month through a grassy …
Latino Commission celebrates faith, family at Camp and Convocation
‘Here is where God stirs their hearts.’ The word reuniones, Spanish for “gatherings,” evokes thoughts of la familia, which describes well the two most important gatherings sponsored annually by the Eastern PA Conference’s Latino Commission. Faith and family are both …
‘Now Is the Time’ offers a racial justice vision in verse
One song performed during EPA’s Annual Conference in May pronounced a vision of racial justice and harmony. And those who created it hope others will continue to give it voice and make it a favorite among churches and beyond. “Now …
UMC reaches new Affiliation Agreement with BSA
United Methodist leaders and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) have reached an agreement about new Affiliation and Facility Use Agreements between congregations, scouting units and the BSA. Bishop John Schol, who chairs the UMC Leadership Team, announced the completion …
Summer camps launch, fostering fun, faith, friendships
After weeks of staff training and preparations, summer camps are fully underway at EPA’s four Camp & Retreat Centers, delighting children, youth and adults with memories and friendships that may last a lifetime. Beyond all the expected fun and fellowship, …