The IRS recently issued new rules for group tax exemption rulings—the first major update in more than four decades. These changes don’t affect day-to-day operations or tax-exempt status for United Methodist churches, but they do require the General Council on Finance and …
Latino Camp 2026: A Week of Faith, Friendship, and New Possibilities
This summer, 73 children and youth from the Eastern Pennsylvania (EPA) and Greater New Jersey (GNJ) Conferences participated in Latino Camp 2026, hosted at Gretna Glen Camp and Retreat Center in Lebanon, PA. This year’s Latino Camp was a joyful …
Chester County Health Department seeks United Methodists’ help amid measles outbreaks
Cases of measles, a highly contagious disease that can have serious, even deadly effects, are on the rise in Pennsylvania and nationwide. The Chester County Health Department is seeking help from United Methodist churches. The call for help aligns with …
Neurodiversity ministries blossom from deep listening
In recent years, awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity—the reality that people’s brains develop and function in different ways—has grown significantly. Often associated with conditions like autism and ADHD, neurodivergence reflects a wide spectrum of human experience. Yet the church has not always embraced these differences …
Intentional Discipleship
“Over this next year, I am going to require that every local church develop a plan for forming disciples.” – Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, 2026 Annual Conference Discipleship is the process in which we learn about about, grow closer to, and …
After 10 years, conference continues Act of Repentance efforts toward healing
This year marked the tenth anniversary of the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference’s 2016 Act of Repentance, a response to the 2012 General Conference “Act of Repentance toward Healing Relationships with Indigenous Peoples.” That small word, “toward,” acknowledges that the work …
Conference historians explore racial, religious and revolutionary past
PENNINGTON, New Jersey—Just before The United Methodist Church celebrated Heritage Sunday, May 24, denominational historians and archivists learned about the earliest history of both American Methodism and its host nation, which is celebrating its birth 250 years ago. That past …
EPA Conference Board of Trustees Leads Visionary Conference Office Renovation
The Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference is preparing to begin a transformative renovation of its Conference Office—one that will address long-standing building needs while creating a welcoming Conference Center for clergy, laity, conference ministries, and partner organizations. This project represents far …
Study Leave Fall 2026 Registration Open
Study Leave for Ministry Professionals Fall 2026 Sessions Registration Opens June 1st Find time to read, reflect, research, or just relax with Study Leave for Ministry Professionals. Over the span of five to seven days, participants immerse themselves in learning …
FundRAISE the Roof: How one pastor’s rooftop campout raised funds and spirits
On Sunday, May 3, Rev. Johnson Dodla climbed a ladder to the roof of Mount Hope UMC. But he wasn’t assessing water damage or chasing after a rogue dodgeball. He was embarking on an overnight camp out — the culminating …