On Saturday, February 16, 2025, United Methodists from across EPA & GNJ gathered at Franklin-St. John’s UMC for an impactful Black History Month service. The Rev. Dr. William D. Carter III, Zachary Holder, and Rev. Elijah Brown were the visionaries …
Souper Bowl Challenge (Fill Out the Form Below!)
Next Sunday, our Philadelphia Eagles will face off against the Kansas City Chiefs on the football field—a rematch of sorts, after a disappointing loss in 2023. We, the United Methodists in EPA & GNJ, must face a rematch of our …
Celebrating a new class of transformational leaders
Lay and clergy leaders from across the Eastern PA Conference gathered June 2 at Bickley’s New Beginning United Methodist Church in Philadelphia to celebrate the 2024 class of new Certified Lay Ministers, serving in three EPA districts. This cohort of …
EPA summer camps ready to transform young lives
Summer camps at the Eastern PA Conference’s four Camp & Retreat Centers blast off this week and next, launching perhaps several thousand children and youth into a season of enjoyable, exploratory experiences, as they are encouraged, taught and guided by …
Leadership Academy offers 2 new Bible study courses led by Bishop Schol
The EPA&GNJ Leadership Academy features two new, in-depth Bible study courses in June, with discussions led by Bishop John Schol via Zoom. The courses are Gospel of Luke and Gospel of John. Each course includes eight videos, pre-course assignments, helpful …
Pathways guides steps toward ministry growth, progress
On a Sunday morning after worship 25 church leaders are gathering around tables to set goals and action steps that will lead to a successful pastoral transition. At a weekday church council meeting leaders are meeting to move beyond the …
Neighbors enter church pickleball courts with praise
Believing that churches should be places to play as well as pray, two United Methodist churches in EPA & GNJ are providing indoor pickleball courts as inviting gifts to their communities. West Lawn UMC in Reading, PA, and St. Paul’s …
Use Breakthrough’s ‘On Purpose’ Summer Worship Series
“Why was I born?” begins Oscar Hammerstein II’s poignant lyrics to a 1929 classic torch song. “Why am I living? What do I get? What am I giving?” All good questions for anyone deeply searching for their raison d’etre (reason …
Ten days to forge a faithful future together
“It is done,” wrote the Dawn Taylor-Storm on her Facebook page at 6:23 p.m. on May 3. The United Methodist Church’s 2020/2024 General Conference had just adjourned—as undoubtedly one of its most historic and consequential legislative assemblies ever. Taylor-Storm is …
A Holy Week delivery of Undies for Easter
Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them. Remember those who are suffering, as though you were suffering as they are. Hebrews 13:3 (Good News Version) The Philadelphia Prison Complex received a special delivery …