Read and please share the inaugural, Summer 2023 issue of NEWSpirit. The United Methodists of Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey have a new newspaper that encompasses both conferences in its reporting of news and information, its sharing of the …
NEWSpirit: A new newspaper to serve readers across EPA&GNJ
And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, ‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me…” 1 Chronicles 4:10 The United Methodists of Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey …
EPA considers future direction, despite loss of some churches
The Eastern PA Annual Conference in May will consider resolutions that point the way to a future of Possibility, the apt theme for its 2023 session. Members will consider a major, new Strategic Direction for EPA’s operations and ministries, proposed …
EPA Annual Conference looks forward to a future with Possibility
“…With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) The United Methodists of Eastern Pennsylvania may hear Jesus Christ’s words of blessed assurance spoken often during their 2023 Annual Conference May 18-20, as they convene onsite rather than online for the …
Creating a culture of calling to pastoral ministry is crucial now
“I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’” (Isaiah 6:8a) Although I don’t condone its tone or tactics, HBO Max’s dramatic series, Succession, is wildly popular. It’s all about the …
Spiritual retreats offer weary clergy respite, renewal
“Pastors need a break. We need some sense of support and nurture.” That’s how the Rev. Peter Jamieson, pastor of Richmond UMC in Bangor, described what brought 25 EPA clergy members to scenic Pocono Plateau Camp & Retreat Center April …
EPA, GNJ CoNAMS share friendship beyond borders
Both the Eastern PA and Greater New Jersey annual conferences in May will begin with a traditional ceremony acknowledging the land we occupy as once owned by Native American people, particularly the Lenni-Lenape nation who inhabited land in what is …
Courts uphold church-state separation in declining church disaffiliation lawsuits
United Methodist News Service published an article April 19 titled “Exiting Florida churches’ lawsuit dismissed” and an earlier article April 3 titled “187 churches sue North Georgia Conference.” Both report state judicial rulings on lawsuits brought by UM churches disaffiliating …
Workshop will help churches prepare for pastoral transitions
The EPA Transition Workshop for New Pastoral Appointments, to help churches receive new pastors, will be offered twice, May 4, at 7:00 p.m., and May 6, at 9:00 a.m., both via Zoom. Each participating church should form a transition team to attend the …
Breakthrough’s new website is here to help revitalize worship
It’s here! We’ve just launched the new colorful, easy-to-use website for our Breakthrough worship resource for United Methodists of Eastern PA and Greater NJ. Check it out at Breakthrough Worship Resources (breakthroughseries.org). The new site provides easy access to Breakthrough’s free, time-saving, creative …