Deadline for cards is Nov. 6 The best gifts keep on giving, and that’s what is happening with the Christmas Cards for Inmates Project, a growing initiative of the Eastern PA Conference Prison Ministry & Restorative Justice (PMRJ) Team. In …
Phila. church’s 11-month sanctuary guest goes home with family
“This was a love story,” said the Rev. Robin Hynicka, lead pastor of Arch Street UMC in Philadelphia, celebrating the emancipation of his church’s beloved sanctuary guest after nearly a year in residence there. “It was all about how the …
Friday’s Exploration event to offer insights into ministry careers
You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. —John 15:16 Orientation to …
Churches respond to disasters with ‘Joyful Generosity’
Numerous Eastern PA Conference churches and districts have actively responded to recent disasters in the past month—especially hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria—prompted by a call for help from Bishop Peggy Johnson and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). In addition …
Disaster relief update: Donations sent; relief teams needed now
Eastern PA Conference Treasurer James Brown reports that he sent about $135,000 in disaster relief donations from the Eastern PA Conference to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) last week. More than $8 million has been raised through the Advance …
Laity ‘commissioned’ to offer HOPE with hospitality
Laity Sunday, Oct. 15, follows Minister Appreciation Sunday in October. On this special Sunday we celebrate that, like clergy, laity are called to “Go and make disciples.” Indeed, they go forward together as the legs and hands, mind and heart, …
Puerto Rico Methodists respond to ‘catastrophe.’
By the Rev. Gustavo Vasquez and Linda Bloom Oct. 5, 2017 | UMNS The Methodist Church of Puerto Rico has activated an emergency strategy to respond to community needs following Hurricane Maria. “My definition of the situation is the same …
Let’s celebrate ‘Hispanic Provision & Care Month’
This is one of the saddest Hispanic Heritage months (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) that I have experienced since I came to live in Pennsylvania. Celebration is not the same since we heard about Puerto Rico being hit by Hurricanes Irma and …
Bishop, supporters advocate for DREAMers
As usual, Bishop Peggy Johnson is receiving both impassioned agreement and vehement opposition to her advocacy for justice and mercy for undocumented immigrants. Some or those voicing the latter sentiment typically tell her she should stay away from politics and …
Christmas Cards for Inmates in Eastern PA, 2017
Can you imagine how it would feel to be separated from your friends and loved ones at Christmas? Inmates who are incarcerated can find it difficult to maintain connections with important people in their lives. At holidays, their distance, and the …