Key points United Methodist bishops are sharing a letter with the wider church that encourages prayer, Bible study and contacting elected officials to address gun violence. The bishops also plan to send a letter to the U.S. Congress and White …
Hurricane Ida recovery, one year later
This weekend marks one year since Hurricane Ida unleashed its devastating winds and floods on Pennsylvania—from August 31 to Sept. 5. Just over a year earlier, August 4-5, 2020, it was Hurricane Isaias. Now the Eastern PA Conference’s Project Restoration …
Generation Alpha, Generation Hope
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 …