Effective ministry begins with noticing. Epworth United Methodist Church in Bethlehem noticed that there were some in their neighborhood that struggled with food insecurity. They decided to take action by building a Blessing Box. A Dewees Grant from EPA provided …
Laity Academy Announces 2025 Spring Learning Event
You asked….we listened! In Person Laity Academy Classes to be Held at 2 Locations on April 26 ! The EPAUMC Laity Academy provides learning opportunities for members of local churches who are seeking additional avenues for personal spiritual growth or …
The Overlooked virtue of changing your mind
“Who knows? He may turn, change his mind and leave a blessing behind him.” (Joel 2:14a, CJB) The EPA Conference North District and Congregational Team (CDT) partner to bring Bishop Will Willimon to our pastors and other local church leaders as he …
2024 Church Anniversary Celebrations
As we continue to peer forward into the new year with anticipation, let’s look back at some of the churches that celebrated anniversaries in 2024. Zoar’s 230th anniversary highlights past, present, future in ministry By John W. Coleman* “Emboldened by …
Carrying the spirit of Christmas into the new year
There are lots of ways to engage the community at Christmas. Some churches go into the community to tell the story of Christmas, some tell the story of Christmas in creative ways, and others choose to build relationships by inviting …
Journey of Healing: From Lamentation to Praise
In a letter sent to thousands of United Methodists across Eastern Pennsylvania (EPA) and Greater New Jersey (GNJ) on New Year’s Day, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi extended an invitation both audacious and humble: participate in a collective journey of healing. Titled …
UMCOR Cleaning Bucket Challenge
Back-to-back hurricanes led to widespread devastation in the south-eastern region of the United States. Recovery will take years of investment. As the body of Christ here on earth, we are called to embody hope by responding when and as we …
EPA & GNJ Mission Pilgrimage renews & inspires
Travelers from EPA & GNJ have just returned from a pilgrimage lead by Rev. Hun Ju Lee, District Superintendent of the North District. This cross-cultural encounter traced the missionary journey and ministry impact of Henry Gerhard Appenzeller, a missionary sent …
Celebrating a new class of transformational leaders
Lay and clergy leaders from across the Eastern PA Conference gathered June 2 at Bickley’s New Beginning United Methodist Church in Philadelphia to celebrate the 2024 class of new Certified Lay Ministers, serving in three EPA districts. This cohort of …
Urban Ministry Awards Go to 4 Community-Engaged Churches
In describing the urban ministry challenge today, the Rev. Evelyn Kent Clark, Eastern PA Conference Dean of the Cabinet, may have turned iconic author Charles Dickens’ most famous opening line into a call for mission evangelism. “We think these are …