UMC leaders decry U.S. abusive “Indian boarding schools” and church involvement, calling for remembrance of victims and survivors. Recent media reports, a public education campaign, and the announcement of an investigation by the U.S. Department of the Interior have cast …
Pocono Plateau director to resign after 19 years
The Rev. Ron Schane, Director of Eastern PA Conference’s Pocono Plateau Camp & Retreat Center since 2002, has made the “prayerful decision” to resign, effective the end 2021. The conference Camping Board received that news at its meeting Sept. 25. “Ron’s faithful leadership of the Plateau has brought …
Districts pledge matching grants to aid recovery from recent storms
Churches and communities are still struggling to recover from the Hurricane Ida-caused storms that struck our region three weeks ago. Meanwhile, some are responding to the appeal for help by contributing to the Eastern PA Conference’s Disaster Response fundraising efforts. …
Palmer hosts science & religion symposium, Oct. 1-2
Palmer Theological Seminary in St. David’s will host a two-day symposium on science and religion, Oct. 1-2, at 2 to 5 PM. The seminary was selected to participate in the Science for Seminaries project, made possible by the American Association …
Next Urban Summit to focus on victims, ‘co-victims’ of violence, Sept. 25
Honoring Victims and Co-victims* of Violence: An Urban Mini-Summit The Eastern PA Conference Urban Commission will sponsor an Urban Mini-Summit on urban violence on Saturday, Sept. 25, at 10 AM to 12 PM, via Zoom video-conferencing. That date has been the …
Laity Academy Part 2 happens this weekend
Bishop John Schol will offer a video-recorded greeting to the 2021 Laity Academy, Part 2, which happens this weekend, Oct. 1-2. All five courses will be conducted online via Zoom. “Your being here is a sign of your dedication and …
Hopewell journeys through Exodus buoyed by songs
“Arguably, the last year and a half has been the most challenging time in my life and ministry,” admits Rev. Amy Banka, Lead Pastor of Hopewell United Methodist Church in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. “In the midst of the global pandemic, the …
Leading amid mask and vaccine controversy
How can we be God’s ambassadors in the tension of our division over vaccines and mask-wearing during the pandemic? Read commentary
Eastern PA welcomes Bishop John Schol in hope-filled celebration
The Eastern PA Conference officially welcomed Bishop John Schol as its new episcopal leader Sept. 18 in an august worship service at the UM Church of West Chester. But what climaxed the Saturday morning service was the bishop’s sermon that …
Churches to witness against gun violence Sunday
St. Matthew’s UMC of Valley Forge will join neighboring churches in a public witness on Sunday, Sept. 19, at 3:30 PM, against the lethal, senseless gun violence that is taking many lives and in favor of sensible gun safety laws. …