“David took the lyre and played it with his hand. Saul would be relieved and feel better, and the evil spirit would depart from him.” (I Samuel 16:23b) “‘You know you’re in trouble when your colleague recommends their antidepressants,’ begins …
Weekly Prayer Meetings
Conference-wide Weekly Prayer Meetings, via Zoom 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. The Rev. David Piltz started the popular …
Introducing a New Streamlined Reporting Process for Church Leaders
By Rev. James Lee jlee@gnjumc.org For many pastors and church leaders, reporting and form-filling is akin to the dreaded task of sorting through a mountain of laundry on a weekend afternoon—necessary, yet decidedly not exciting. However, things are about to …
Workshop will help churches prepare for pastoral transitions
The EPA Transition Workshop for New Pastoral Appointments, to help churches receive new pastors, will be offered twice, May 4, at 7:00 p.m., and May 6, at 9:00 a.m., both via Zoom. Each participating church should form a transition team to attend the …
Breakthrough’s new website is here to help revitalize worship
It’s here! We’ve just launched the new colorful, easy-to-use website for our Breakthrough worship resource for United Methodists of Eastern PA and Greater NJ. Check it out at Breakthrough Worship Resources (breakthroughseries.org). The new site provides easy access to Breakthrough’s free, time-saving, creative …
HealthFlex FAQ
Now your well-being programs are accessible in one place. Click here for frequently asked questions about programs and reward structures.
IRS Mileage Rate for 2023
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2023 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on January 1, 2023, the standard mileage rates for …
Holding on together
Cabinet epistle prescribes remedies to clergy stress, burnout
“In the midst of deeply felt challenges to our health, our churches and our society, it is normal for stress and anxiety to increase.” Thus begins a letter sent recently by the joint EPA&GNJ Cabinet to all clergy and chairs …
Christmas season activities, resources for families
Elizabeth Christie, education director at Fritz UMC in Bethlehem, a specialist in ministries for children and families, offers video links to Christmastime activities and resources for children, youth and families to enjoy at church and at home. She hosted a …
World AIDS Day, December 1
2022 THEME: “Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV” World AIDS Day has been observed annually on Dec. 1 since 1988. The day honors all of those who have lost their lives to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and …