The North District keeps showing its support for the beleaguered people of war-ravaged Ukraine. The district donated $5,000 in March to the Transfiguration Ukrainian Catholic Church in Shamokin, then more funds in April to the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Centralia …
Wholeness Centers to spur BIPOC church-community ministry partnerships
The Eastern PA Conference is placing a new milestone on its justice-centered Dismantling Racism: Path Toward Wholeness initiative with the launch of its Wholeness Centers program this month. Wholeness Centers are intentional church-based partnerships with local residents and groups in …
From a nudge, Leap of Faith praise band takes flight
“Right before the beginning of Covid shutdowns a small group of young adults who love music were nudged to begin a praise band.” That’s how the Rev. Jean Howe, former pastor of Grace UMC in Reading, began her email message …
Musicians partner with camp, church to spread gospel in verse
Ripe Creatives, a collective of young, dynamic, Christian poets, singers and rappers, has been delighting and discipling campers and staff at EPA’s Carson Simpson Farm Christian Center in Hatboro this summer. And they will bring their message-rich music—sung and spoken—to …
Project Restoration to host 4 CCYM Youth Days of Service
The EPA Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM) will sponsor four Youth Days of Service in each of our four districts this fall, engaging youth in volunteer disaster recovery work with EPA’s Project Restoration…
Connectional Table learns about EPA goals, plans, progress
EPA’s Connectional Table, a gathering of staff and elected chairpersons of various conference committees, met July 12 via Zoom to hear and respond to reported plans and updates on major conference program initiatives. Thirty-two leaders, including four new chairpersons, joined …
‘Now Is the Time’ offers a racial justice vision in verse
One song performed during EPA’s Annual Conference in May pronounced a vision of racial justice and harmony. And those who created it hope others will continue to give it voice and make it a favorite among churches and beyond. “Now …
4 Ways to Expand the Reach of Small Groups
Small groups are essential venues of personal and spiritual development for many faith communities. The intimacy of smaller gatherings deepens relational bonds, nurtures trust, and provides a safe space for spiritual exploration, learning, and growth. How can you prevent …
Church grows membership, inspired by worship and teamwork
“Teamwork makes the dream work,” wrote leadership guru John Maxwell in 2002. While the adage is fast becoming cliché, it could nonetheless describe what’s happening at New Hanover UMC in Gilbertsville. Leaders there are focused on forging more cooperation particularly …
Bishop shares next steps to EPA’s path forward
Bishop John Schol in a new letter to EPA members reviews our May 2022 Annual Conference and reports on next steps to implement groundbreaking decisions made there.