Part 2: Mission
Successful leaders lead toward something. Churches, ministries and organizations without direction flounder and eventually fail. There are three things that are essential to successful leadership: vision, mission and goals…
EPA leaders learning ‘3R’s’ of dismantling racism
Dismantling Racism may start with learning a new form of “the 3Rs”: Relationships, Recognition and Revelation. Relating openly and lovingly to others who are different—especially cross-racially or cross-culturally—can lead to honest recognition of what one doesn’t know and then to …
Merged churches inspire hope through mission center
“Hope Starts Here,” penned in colorful letters, is a small sign on the door of a big room where food is prepared at Mission First, a ministry located at the former First United Methodist Church in downtown Pottstown. And that …
As JFON’s immigration cases grow, so does its need for help
Justice for Our Neighbors of the Delaware Valley (JFON-DV) has been operating immigration legal clinics for 13 months in three states, handling a growing docket of cases, as it looks for volunteers, especially language interpreters. The Eastern PA regional office moved …
Black and Brown Youth Retreat to build cross-cultural bridges
The EPAUMC Black and Brown Youth Retreat, April 1-3, an unprecedented spring gathering of 55 Black and Latino/Latinx young people at Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center in Lebanon, is designed to plant fertile seeds of relationship and revival. The …
Communications Learning Week to advance church leaders’ skills
United Methodist Communication (UMCom) announces a week-long ecumenical training opportunity launching this spring for anyone in ministry seeking to enhance their communications skills. Communications Learning Week: Taking the Next Step will be held May 9-13, and it is designed with busy …
Laity Session to nominate next Lay Leader, April 2
The Eastern PA Conference Laity Session will nominate a new Conference Lay Leader when it convenes online, via Zoom, on Saturday, April 2, at 10 AM. David Koch (right), Conference Lay Leader for eight years, since 2014, will open the …
Delegates urge hope for denomination’s future
Since the postponement of General Conference to 2024, much of the news has been about church disaffiliations and denominational divisions. No question the rhetorical punches are flying on social media and in newsletters. However, many United Methodists see no reason to …
Women’s History Month Feature
UM advocacy agency reveals lagging equity for clergywomen
The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCOSROW), created by General Conference in 1972, provides research, advocacy, training, monitoring and educational resources to churches and conference commissions like Eastern PA’s COSROW…
EPA gives $384,000 to missions via Advance in 2021
The United Methodist Church’s Global Ministries agency reports that EPAUMC churches and individuals donated over $384,000 in 2021 to aid global and national missions through The Advance for Christ and His Church, the UMC’s longtime primary giving channel to support …