New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have escalated the number of Pennsylvania counties that have substantial or higher levels of COVID-19 transmission. The CDC recommends people wear masks indoors in counties that either average 50 or …
Affiliation Update: Moving #LTSforward
On July 28, the Lancaster Theological Seminary Board of Trustees took several more procedural steps toward affiliating with Moravian University and Moravian Theological Seminary, a process that could take up to several years to complete, contingent upon regulatory approvals. Effective …
First UMC Lancaster to memorialize Bill and Ginny Cherry, Aug. 7
First UMC Lancaster will hold a delayed memorial service for Rev. Dr. Willam Cherry and his wife Ginny, on Saturday August 7, at 11 AM. “We lost both of them late last year, and the family deferred having a service until …
Methodist Services Thanks Bishop Peggy A. Johnson Upon Her Retirement
Upon the Retirement of Rev. Peggy A. Johnson, Methodist Services/Methodist Home for Children President & CEO, Anne Rice-Burgess Remarked: “Bishop Peggy, we have been honored to spend time with you & are grateful for your dedication to transitional housing, especially …
Discussing Christian nationalism — carefully
The violent attack on the U.S. Capitol building by loyalists to President Trump determined to stop the certification of Joe Biden as president brought forth feelings of shock, sadness, fear — and support from some who identify as Christian nationalists. …
CONAM leader to speak on Native American boarding schools legacy
Sandra Cianciulli, who co-chairs the Eastern PA Conference’s Committee on Native American Ministry (CONAM), will speak to students and faculty at West Virginia University August 5-6 about the former industrial boarding schools where many thousands of Native American children and …
Reopened summer camps enjoy ‘homecoming’
We’re just weeks from the end of Summer Camp at our four Eastern PA Camp and Retreat Centers—which is too soon for many. This has been an historic season after last year’s heartbreaking cancelation. And the families, children and youth, …
Register now for our 2-part Laity Academy: Online August 6-7; Onsite Oct. 1-2
The Eastern PA Conference’s 2021 Laity Academy is like a smart restaurant adapting its business to COVID pandemic life. This year the annual lay training event that offers nourishment for the mind and soul, will feed its flock in two …
Attend Post Pandemic Pondering & Planning, August 2
As the COVID-19 pandemic wanes, more churches are planning, preparing or just pondering steps to take to fully, safely and effectively reopen in the coming months. And many of their leaders are seeking answers to persistent questions—especially when, where and …
Native American caucus calls for Day of Truth and Repentance, Oct. 6
The Native American International Caucus of the United Methodist Church (NAIC) has issued “A Call to Truth Telling and Repentance,” asking UM bishops and conferences to make Oct. 6 “A Day of Truth and Repentance for Our Children.” NAIC (http://www.naicumc.com/ …