New ministry aided by EPA Wholeness Center grant Anchor Lancaster, a ministry at First UMC Lancaster, served 30,000 hot breakfast meals in 2022. The breakfast ministry, which serves every weekday, including holidays, was recognized as “the best non-profit in Lancaster.” …
Giving to Advance Specials aids ministries in need
Jesus calls us to go the second mile (Matthew 5:41) in our sacrificial giving. Most Eastern PA churches do just that—giving beyond their apportioned askings to support conference and denominational ministries. And while many also fund causes in their own …
EPA clergy of color invited to renewal retreat in June
Just weeks after an Annual Conference focused on the theme “Possibility,” Eastern PA clergy of color will get to explore their own possibilities of learning self-renewal and restoration through a joyful, guided process of spiritual and emotional nurture. And they …
Church Statistical Reports due Jan. 31
All churches are required to submit their 2022 Statistical Reports by Jan. 31, using the UMC’s new ACStats System, which is open now for data entry. Check our Statistics webpage for updates and FAQs.
Church to dedicate Memorial to the Lost on MLK Day, Jan. 16
Lansdale UMC will remember gun violence victims during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday by hosting a dedication of the Montgomery County Memorial to the Lost on Monday, Jan. 16, at 11 AM. The memorial, cosponsored by the advocacy group Heeding …
‘Star Words’
It’s that time of year again to choose a new Star Word. What is a Star Word? It’s a tradition gaining in popularity where people choose life-guiding words on Epiphany Day (Jan. 6) or on Epiphany Sunday. This is a …
Christmas season activities, resources for families
Elizabeth Christie, education director at Fritz UMC in Bethlehem, a specialist in ministries for children and families, offers video links to Christmastime activities and resources for children, youth and families to enjoy at church and at home. She hosted a …
EPA’s camps prepare for winter retreats, summer fun
EPA’s Camp & Retreat Centers are looking back at a successful year in 2022 and looking forward to yet another, as they express both thanks and hopes for fundraising donations, while preparing for winter events and larger attendance at summer …
UMCOR increases EPA’s disaster recovery funds and wisdom
As the EPA Conference increases its support to survivors of devastating storms spawned by Hurricanes Ida in 2021 and Isaias in 2020, the UMC’s disaster relief agency is increasing its support of our ongoing efforts. UMCOR (the UM Committee on …
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 …