By John W. Coleman Churches and church groups are busily using online videoconferencing services—especially Zoom—and also free conference call services during these social distancing days for worship, meetings, Bible study classes, and increasingly, for prayer. Now, even larger groups are …
2020 ‘Bridge Walk for Peace’ marches on virtually
Since 2008, the Rev. David W. Brown, a deacon in the Eastern PA Conference, has led a special, early dawn walk across Ben Franklin Bridge in Central Philadelphia to commemorate the tragic day the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was …
UM agencies resourcing pandemic-affected churches
By John W. Coleman In the spirit of connectionalism, United Methodist general agencies continue to try to help local churches connect with members and survive the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Such connection is crucial for continuing worship, financial …
Serving the Community: A Tribute to Pastoral Leadership in Norristown
Church sanctuaries are empty. Christians are quarantined at home. Social distancing and isolation is taking a toll. How can church leaders help combat loneliness among their flocks, families and even themselves? Read more
Remembering Holy Week & Easter Worship
A recording of the April 8 Holy Week worship service led by Bishop Peggy Johnson and her Cabinet is available above, and also on our Facebook page and YouTube Channel. In addition, Bishop Johnson preached two video-recorded sermons for Good …
Advice from an Angel
An Easter Sermon By Bishop Peggy Johnson Philadelphia Episcopal Area: Peninsula-Delaware Conference and Eastern PA Conference April 12, 2020 Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary …
The Other Seven Last Words
A Good Friday Sermon by Bishop Peggy Johnson Philadelphia Episcopal Area: Peninsula-Delaware Conference and Eastern PA Conference April 10, 2020 INTRODUCTION In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The Word …
Alternatives to Communion around the Lord’s Table
By John W. Coleman Numerous displaced congregations—unable to gather in their sanctuaries—are increasingly worshiping online during the coronavirus pandemic. But many see first Sundays as a sacramental challenge. April 5, for example, is not only Palm Sunday but also the …
CCYM shares reflections, advice on surviving pandemic
The Eastern PA’s Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM) is working virtually, via Zoom videoconferencing, to plan its second annual “Camping at the Crossroads” Youth Rally. The March 28 annual spring Youth Rally had to be cancelled due to the unprecedented …
Annual Conference 2020 will be October 13-14
The 2020 Eastern PA Annual Conference will happen October 13-14, a Tuesday and Wednesday, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. Originally scheduled for June 18-20, the session was postponed…