Although he had participated in meal deliveries to disadvantaged neighbors at Thanksgiving and Christmas, Dick Stiles of Grace UMC in Pen Argyl—located in the Slate Belt region near the Poconos—felt that outreach mission should extend to Easter also. In fact, the extended isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic made an Easter outreach even more imperative for him.
UMCOR grants to help churches aid local refugees, migrants
UM churches across the U.S. can receive grants of up to $2000 to help refugees and migrants living in their communities, thanks to a new grant program from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). The “Mustard Seed Migration Grants” continue the agency’s 80-year tradition of helping refugees, immigrants and migrants seeking to build a new life.
Conference weekly prayer meetings mark 1 year
The Eastern PA Conference can celebrate a special anniversary in April. The weekly, half-hour prayer meetings the conference offers every Tuesday at noon by video-chat on Zoom began in April 2020, just as the coronavirus pandemic was growing.
How do United Methodists fund mission?
United Methodists clearly hear our call as disciples of Jesus Christ to love our neighbors as ourselves and bear one another’s burdens. Together, by sharing our resources, United Methodists support remarkable ministry around the world.
The United Methodist Church’s special giving structure ensures that together our gifts bless as many people as possible in sustainable, strategic ways. Every contribution makes a difference in this important work… Read More at UMC.org
FEMA offers COVID-19 Funeral Financial Assistance
Churches should know that FEMA is offering to assist “economically insecure” families who have incurred a heavy cost in funerals as a result of COVID-10. FEMA uses a standard process to determine “eligible Funeral Assistance award amounts across all COVID-19 …
Vaccines, variants and the road ahead
Updated information with new details
Experts to teach Eastern PA about COVID-19 and vaccines
Three current vaccines offer promise for an eventual end to the current COVID-19 pandemic. But the road ahead still has deep potholes to navigate in the form of threatening variants that are growing in our region alongside the number of persons being vaccinated.
Easter Event at Telford: Grace UMC
Grace UMC in Telford held a socially distanced Easter Drive-Through Parade on Saturday, March 27, from 1 to 3 PM in our church lot. This colorful celebration event was free for all who attended. We handed out “He Is Risen” plastic bags …
Rev. Sukja Bang featured in Fordham News
Korean-American Polio Survivor and Longtime Pastor Prepares to Counsel Parishioners Rev. Sukja Bang, pastor of Ackermanville UMC in Bangor, is featured in the Fordham News (March 29, 2021), an online publication of Fordham University, where she will receive a D.Min. from the …
Cabinet offers churches pre-recorded worship for after Easter
The Eastern PA Conference Cabinet has provided another pre-recorded sermon to churches so they can give their pastors a preaching respite. However, this time the sermon, preached by Bishop Peggy Johnson, comes with an entire recorded worship service for use after Easter. While April 11, the Sunday after Easter, is an ideal time to use it–certainly following what will likely be a busy Holy Week for many–the service can be used on any Sunday during Eastertide.
Women of the UMC–A Feature for Women’s History Month 2021
As leaders, teachers, missionaries, and organizers, women have shaped the history of Methodism. In their work with the poor and disenfranchised, women have initiated important social and political reform. Roughly 800,000 members belong to United Methodist Women, and approximately 25% of clergy in The United Methodist Church are female.
We invite you to explore the inspiring stories of women who have made important contributions to the life of the church, as well as ideas to help nurture your own participation and witness.