On November 12, Philadelphia community leaders, service providers, and residents filled the sanctuary of Mother African Zoar UMC to raise a unified alarm about a crisis they say is devastating the lives of Philadelphians. Affordability of basic needs—housing, food, utilities, …
Honoring the Lives Lost and the Work Still Before Us
A Reflection from the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) Today marks the anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre (November 29, 1864), the deadliest day in Colorado’s history. At sunrise, the U.S. Army attacked a peaceful encampment of Cheyenne …
One-on-one with justice advocate, pastor and Chancellor: Rev. Mark Salvacion
In October, Rev. Mark Ignatius Salvacion, Lead Pastor of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Bryn Mawr, PA and recently-appointed Chancellor of EPA, was recognized by the NAACP Main Line Branch with the Oscar B. Cobb Sr. Civil Rights Advocacy …
Eastern PA and Greater NJ United Methodists Respond to Food Insecurity
While SNAP benefits have been restored across EPA & GNJ, food insecurity continues to rise across our communities. Congregations throughout the Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey Conferences are stepping forward with compassion and purpose—living out Jesus’ call to “feed my sheep.” From …
Remembering Bishop Violet Fisher: A Life Led by the Holy Spirit
My heart was grieved when I received a call from a family representative informing me of the passing of Bishop Violet Fisher. Bishop Violet Fisher’s legacy and influence live on in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and throughout the whole church. …
Registration for the 2026 EPA UMC Local Pastor Licensing School is now open
The EPA Local Pastor Licensing School is a foundational learning experience for preparation to become an appointed Local Pastor in the United Methodist Church of Eastern Pennsylvania. Students will engage in facilitated learning on topics such as worship, preaching, mission, …
The East District United Women of Faith Celebrated with CoNAM presentation of ‘The Loss of Turtle Island’
The Women of Faith (UWF) in the East District of EPA Conference gathered for their 20th Annual Celebration on October 11, 2025, at Lansdale First UMC, Lansdale PA, to fellowship, worship, conduct business and to learn about Native American history. …
Learning from Our Past to Shape Our Future: Northeastern Jurisdiction DCMs Gather in Philadelphia
From Nov. 3 to 5, the Directors of Connectional Ministry (DCMs) from across the Northeastern Jurisdiction gathered in Philadelphia to learn, reflect, and discern how our shared history can guide our ministries today. Our time together invited us to remember …
Capital campaigns with a twist: Lancaster First turns fundraising strength into mission
When churchgoers hear the words “capital campaign,” fundraisers for large building projects likely come to mind – replacing a leaky roof, broken boiler or constructing a new education building. Lancaster First United Methodist Church is no stranger to capital …
Pastor’s 4 journalism awards highlight EPA&GNJ and 5 of its churches
The Rev. John W. Coleman, a United Methodist freelance journalist and pastor in Greater Jersey, won four awards at the United Methodist Association of Communicators (UMAC) annual awards banquet Oct. 28. And each of his award-winning writing entries—two feature articles …