With increasing daily reports of Russia’s horrific war on Ukraine—the destruction of cities and the tragic loss and uprooting of lives—United Methodists are finding ways to respond with their support. Many are donating much-needed funds through UMCOR (United Methodist Committee …
Bishop Schol’s message about General Conference and Disaffiliation
Dear United Methodist Laity and Clergy in Eastern Pennsylvania, In this season, we are encountering what Methodism has faced several times since its inception in 1784, churches disaffiliating from the denomination…
Questions, anger follow General Conference delay
United Methodists reacted to General Conference’s third postponement — this time to 2024 — with strong emotions ranging from outrage to relief. Many also expressed weariness with the uncertainty that has faced the denomination since before the pandemic. The hope …
Direction: A Key Ingredient for Successful Leadership
Leaders who are not leading toward something rarely move forward and rarely succeed. Skilled leadership—providing direction through vision, missional clarity and goals—bears fruit…
Women’s gifts of creativity give comfort
Methodist Hospital Women’s Association gives thanks
The Women’s Association of Methodist Hospital expresses great appreciation to the church women who have knitted and crocheted prayer shawls, afghans, and lap robes for hospital patients…
Lent: A Time for Study, Sacrifice, Service
Lent is a season of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. It lasts 40 days, not counting Sundays, beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter or Resurrection Sunday. (Read “What is …
Resources & Ideas for Helping the Ukrainian People in Crisis
THIS ARTICLE IS UPDATED WITH NEW INFORMATION PRAYERS Prayers for Peace. Temple UMC in Pottstown hosted a Prayers for Peace service Feb. 25, that included scriptures, a litany for peace and hymns. The Rev. Gary Nicholson, pastor, shares their event …
General Conference postponed until 2024
Citing long wait times for visas, General Conference organizers announced that The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking assembly — long postponed by pandemic — must wait until 2024. “We engaged in a fair, thorough, integrity-filled discussion of the alternatives,” said …
Cabinet updates COVID response recommendations
The EPAUMC Cabinet has updated its COVID response recommendations for churches by advising them to observe their local county or city guidelines regarding safe attendance at events and wearing of masks. Health protection mandates have ended, as the pandemic has …
Mount Pocono UMC offers drive-through ashes
Mount Pocono UMC found a new, adaptive way to perform an old ritual for people who needed it. On Ash Wednesday they provided drive-through ashes from noon to 6 PM, welcoming members and visitors in over 200 cars. “We never …