Bishop John Schol notified all United Methodist bishops on Tuesday, March 28, of a federal appeals court judge’s ruling that upheld the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) reorganization plan, which includes our $30 million United Methodist Settlement with the survivors’ …
Church court addresses disaffiliation questions
Adapted from a UM News story The United Methodist Church’s top court released nine rulings March 1 related to a church law that governs church disaffiliations outlined in paragraph 2553 of The Book of Discipline. Two of those rulings affirmed …
When the past just doesn’t work anymore
No one pours new wine into old wineskins. —Luke 5:37 In my role as bishop of EPA&GNJ, I lead or serve on the board of directors of eight nonprofit organizations. These include annual conferences, foundations, universities, social service organizations and …
A challenge to collect the most donated food before Super Bowl
Just as the NFL’s Super Bowl begins play on Sunday at 6:30 PM, a much bigger and friendlier United Methodist competition will end—a competition that highlights not football but food banks. It’s the donated food collection competition between the Eastern …
World Methodist Council nominations sought
Bishop John Schol seeks persons—clergy, lay adults and youth—to nominate for membership and leadership on the World Methodist Council, for the remainder of its current term, 2022-2024, and also for 2024 to 2030. The Eastern PA and Greater New Jersey …
Holding on together
Cabinet epistle prescribes remedies to clergy stress, burnout
“In the midst of deeply felt challenges to our health, our churches and our society, it is normal for stress and anxiety to increase.” Thus begins a letter sent recently by the joint EPA&GNJ Cabinet to all clergy and chairs …
Bishop John Schol
It is our joy to welcome Bishop John R. Schol as he prepares to join us and provide episcopal leadership coverage for the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference beginning September 1, 2021.
Wonder fills new Christmas worship video for churches
“How do you experience the wonder of Christmas?” The Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm and the Rev. Donald Kirschner, adorned in fun, colorful Christmas attire, each asked that question at two recent clergy meetings. They got heartwarming responses that described wonder-filled family …
NJ justice coalition honors Bishop Schol for moral leadership
A faith-based, grassroots coalition of advocates for justice and equality in New Jersey, honored Bishop John Schol as Moral Leader of the Year at its annual awards ceremony Dec. 15 in Ewing, N.J. Building One New Jersey is “devoted to the idea …
Bishop announces EPA/GNJ affiliation, EPA regionalization plans
Bishop John Schol introduced in a letter to Eastern PA Conference members this week an “affiliation” of EPA’s administration with that of the Greater New Jersey Conference and the creation of two EPA regions to forge closer working relationships among …