Wait, we are just getting to know Gen Z, and now we must learn about Gen Alpha? What is Gen Alpha anyway? Generation Alpha is a term that has been emerging in educational circles. Gen Alpha are the kids born …
Pathways initiative prepares for September launch
The Eastern PA Conference’s new Pathways to Congregational Fruitfulness & Health initiative has its crew and initial passengers all aboard, as it prepares to taxi down the runway for a September takeoff. Eighteen chosen facilitators have received an orientation to begin …
NEJ Conference to meet in November
Foster endorsed for election as bishop
The UMC’s 2022 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference will meet Nov. 3-4 in Hunt Valley, Md. This year’s gathering of elected delegates from the NEJ’s 10 annual conferences was postponed from 2020, along with the UMC’s General Conference, due to the COVID …
Church court clarifies paragraph 2548.2 use
The UMC’s Judicial Council ruled that a much-debated The Book of Discipline paragraph 2548.2 can only be used conditionally and that paragraph 2553 must be used for churches seeking to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church. “Paragraph 2548.2 (of the …
Ministry grants available, with approaching deadlines
A number of Eastern PA Conference grants are available to support ministry, and application deadlines are fast-approaching for several of them. Dewees Grants applications due Sept. 1 Dewees Grants are available to support EPA’s mission to grow vital congregations. Grants …
District donates $20,000 to Ukrainian relief, resettlement, Aug. 1
The North District keeps showing its support for the beleaguered people of war-ravaged Ukraine. The district donated $5,000 in March to the Transfiguration Ukrainian Catholic Church in Shamokin, then more funds in April to the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Centralia …
Leaders are born, right?
Dear EPA Leaders, I continue to be grateful for your leadership in your congregation and in the larger church. Your gifts and leadership are leading us forward. As we look to engage more deeply in growing faith and developing vital, …
Wholeness Centers to spur BIPOC church-community ministry partnerships
The Eastern PA Conference is placing a new milestone on its justice-centered Dismantling Racism: Path Toward Wholeness initiative with the launch of its Wholeness Centers program this month. Wholeness Centers are intentional church-based partnerships with local residents and groups in …
Congregational Trauma, Resilience, and Healing
Groups as well as individuals can suffer the adverse effects of trauma. This advanced sexual ethics workshop equips participants to recognize congregational trauma and to implement practices to increase resilience and healing within a congregation.
Downingtown church builds “The Well” to nourish community
DOWNINGTOWN, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — “Hopewell United Methodist Church is committed to the community, but its building is outside of the main center of town,” said Pastor of Community Outreach Keith Wilburn. “And so, in order to connect with a lot of …