‘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 …
DePaz to staff EPA’s Latino Commission
The Rev. Maria Quesada “Lisa” DePaz, Pastor of Haws Avenue UMC in Norristown since, will become Coordinator of the Eastern PA Conference Latino Ministries Commission July 1. Currently the commission’s secretary, she succeeds the Rev. Lillian “Luky” Cotto, who will retire …
Black-Brown Youth Retreat explores identity, relationships
“Black, brown, black, brown, black, brown.” That’s how the Rev. Will Brawner instructed the youth at the Black and Brown Youth Retreat, April 1-3, to sit in chairs encircling Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center’s largest meeting room. He mixed …
As JFON’s immigration cases grow, so does its need for help
Justice for Our Neighbors of the Delaware Valley (JFON-DV) has been operating immigration legal clinics for 13 months in three states, handling a growing docket of cases, as it looks for volunteers, especially language interpreters. The Eastern PA regional office moved …
Partnership of 2 churches offers children hope for the holidays
St. John’s UMC in Ivyland prepares for Christian holidays by gathering hope…and now members are sharing it with pre-kindergarten children at El Mesias (The Messiah) UMC in North Philadelphia’s tough Kensington neighborhood. The mission-minded St. John’s congregation dives into its …
EPA Latino Ministries coordinator to retire
The Rev. Lilian Lucrecia “Luky” Cotto has announced her retirement after three years as Coordinator of Latino Ministries in the Eastern PA Conference, effective July 1. She began that part-time, Connectional Ministries job in 2019, working with leaders of the conference’s …
Latino Commission celebrates growth, new ministries in 2021
Members of the Eastern PA Conference Latino Commission celebrated Christmas together Dec. 4, as families enjoyed feasting and fellowship, music and mirth, worship and witnessing to their faith. The Rev. Luky Cotto, Latino Ministries coordinator, was sadly unable to join …
Latino Commission Retreat for Young Adults
The EPAUMC Latino Commission will sponsor “Generation of Revival,” a weekend retreat for young adults, ages 16-27, to help them reconnect with God and with each other at Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center. The cost is $25 for registration. …
Church needs aid to stop rodent invasion in preschool yard
Bright Future Academy, a small but active and essential child development center located at El Mesias United Methodist Church in North Philadelphia’s Kensington community, is described as a blessing to both the church and its mostly Hispanic community. But it …
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 …