“It’s time to beat the heat and get into the holiday spirit with Christmas in July at Grace Cafe, a ministry of Arch Street UMC” says Kristi Painter, Coordinator of Programming at Arch Street UMC’s new partner nonprofit, The Center Philadelphia. Grace …
Churches respond to gun violence crisis via public witness
According to the Philadelphia gun violence and prevention report, there were at least 896 nonfatal and 247 fatal shootings this year as of July 7, including 224 people shot just last month. That is an increase of more than 34% …
Arroyo to head UMC’s Religion and Race agency
The Rev. Giovanni Arroyo, Team Leader for Program Ministries at the UMC’s General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) will become its next General Secretary August 31. With his election, Dr. Arroyo, born in Puerto Rico and raised in New …
UM Men’s plans virtual national gathering for Aug. 28
The General Commission on United Methodist Men announces its 2021 Virtual National Men’s Gathering. The gathering will be held online August 28, from 11 AM to 5 PM. Keynote speakers will be the Rev. Dr. Ron Bell, pastor of Camphor …
Juneteenth and July 4th: A tale of two Independence Days
At a time when America’s freedom is endangered by efforts to restrict or even thwart voting rights for all, it may be timely for us to have two holidays to celebrate our nation’s freedom and independence—both actual and aspirational. July …
New Economic Justice Council to improve racial equity
The Eastern PA Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CORR) has formed an Economic Justice Council with clergy and lay members from across the Conference who reflect racial-ethnic and gender diversity. “CORR recognizes that our continuing commitment to greater racial justice …
Church thankful for Philadelphia Foundation Grant
Oxford UMC was awarded a grant of $4,216 from the Clyde P. and Katherine B. Alexander Memorial Fund of The Philadelphia Foundation to support the mission and ministries of the church. Announcement of the grant was made by Pedro A. …
Latino Commission nurtures faith formation for all
The Eastern PA Conference Latino Commission emphasizes faith formation and leadership development for all ages—from children who attend Latino Week Camp at Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center, to adult learners, including the 21 who recently became Lay Missioners in …
UM Native American groups urge bishops to address boarding schools’ traumatic legacy
The Eastern PA Conference Committee on Native American Ministries has called on the UMC’s Council of Bishops “to lead our people in restorative justice (through)…a forum where (Native American) boarding school survivors and their descendants can tell their stories.” CONAM …
2021 Urban Ministry Awards
Members of the West Lebanon Mission Link receive a Herbert E. Palmer Urban Ministry Award for their collaborative food pantry ministry that also received an Urban Commission grant. Presenting the award to the Rev. Bruny Martinez (center) were (from left) the Revs. David Eckert and Myra …