Events

• Conference Events (Jump to: February, March, April)
• District Events
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• Conference Calendar

Printable Listing of Eastern PA Conference Events (Updated weekly)

Academies, workshops, training events, convocations, retreats. The Eastern PA Conference is a vibrant, living organism that survives and indeed, thrives in community as we gather and grow together. Our connectional life is enhanced by these types of learning events and by other gatherings as well: worship and prayer services; concerts, theater, film viewings and other performances; celebrations; picnics; sports and recreation events–the list is endless.

We also provide access to a list of upcoming Conference meetings of boards, teams and committees, and to a list of recent and upcoming Local Church events. Please send us your complete information about meetings and events right away by using our Submit News page.

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CONFERENCE EVENTS

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February 2020

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True Justice: Seeking Equal Justice for People and Communities of Color

A Film Showing, Discussion and Action Planning for Change

February 22, 2020 (Snow Date: February 29)

9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at Cedarville UMC, 1092 Laurelwood Rd, Pottstown, PA. Cost: $10. Lunch included. CEUs certification requested. Register online now! The registration deadline has been extended to Feb. 17.

• Use this New Bulletin Insert!
• Click here to view and download the full-page flyer

Join us in viewing together the compelling HBO documentary film True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Equality about the lifesaving, life-changing crusade of Bryan Stevenson. Stevenson is a dedicated public defense attorney and the founder and Executive Director of the groundbreaking Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama.

True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Equality examines his personal journey, as he labors to bring justice to wrongfully convicted and disadvantaged prison inmates. The film weaves together his own story, those of his clients, and a history of injustice and complicity in our justice system. As Stevenson reveals a troubling narrative of racial inequality still prevalent in this country, he challenges us to seek the truth, confront it and work towards reconciliation.

After we view this powerful film, we will hear from a panel of vital, visionary leaders seeking ways to foster racial justice in the criminal justice system. And then we will gather in groups to learn more and determine how we can live out our faith—how we can “do justice and love mercy—by joining Stevenson’s fight in a national campaign that seeks true justice for people and communities of color. Learn more…

For further information, contact Marilyn Schneider, Prison Ministries & Restorative Justice Committee Chairperson, at 610-696-2663 or prisonministries@epaumc.org.

Register online now! The registration deadline has been extended to Feb. 17.

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March 2020

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March 21: ERT/UMVIM Training

The Eastern PA Conference Disaster Response ministry team will sponsor combined Early Response Team (ERT) and Volunteers in Mission (VIM) trainings on Saturday, March 21, from 8 AM to 4 PM, at Eastwick UMC, 8321 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia. Please register right away.Early Response Teams (ERT) provide skilled support to disaster survivors as soon as communities allow response teams into disaster-impacted areas. Robert Simcox, the conference’s Disaster Response Coordinator, will lead that training. Contact: drc@epaumc.org or 610-427-0470.

UM Volunteers in Mission (VIM) volunteers can work as carpenters or Vacation Bible School teachers, help with medical clinics and with youth sports and recreation programs. Volunteers have taken weekend journeys. Others have spent a week and yet others up to a month on a volunteer journey. The Rev. Russell Atkinson is the Conference UMVIM Coordinator. Contact him ratkinson@epaumc.org or 610-675-7187.

The simultaneous trainings  include manuals, materials, a light breakfast, and lunch. Early Response Teams are “background-checked, badged, trained and motivated to be a caring, listening Christian presence,” said Simcox. “You will learn how early responders prevent further damage by tarping roofs, stabilizing structure, and clearing out debris and water-soaked materials. ERTs know how to prepare a structure for UMVIM recovery teams to do their work and how to provide hope to desperate survivors that God’s people do care about their lives and their homes.”

March 21-22: UMW “Girls on the Go” Retreat

The UM Women’s 18th annual Girls on the Go retreat moves to Innabah Camp & Retreat Center this year, March 21-22. Teenage girls from across the conference, ages 13-18, are invited to come learn together in Bible study, group discussions, and exploring mission and justice concerns important to United Methodists, plus enjoy crafts, worship, meals together, fun activities, recreation and more.

This year’s theme is “Bold Actions.” Attendees will learn about: Climate Justice; Just Energy for All; Human Trafficking; and Criminalization of Communities of Color.  In addition, they will enjoy a self-defense class and a hands-on mission activity.

“UMW believes our girls have the innate ability to make drastic changes in our society,” said Tamara Clark, a young adult UMW member who is also Treasurer of the international UMW organization. “Girls can come learn about these social justice priorities and also be encouraged to share their voices and take action.”

The cost is $60 if early-bird registration is received by Feb. 1, or $70 if received by Feb. 15. Questions? Contact Mary Ann Repsher at 610-588-1084 or at rep164@frontier.net. Or contact Susan Dzuik at 215-637-7898 or dzuiks1@verizon.net.   

Download the brochure and mail-in registration form.

March 28, 2020: “Racism, Post-Traumatic Stress, & Transformation”

Calling All People of Color: Clergy & Lay
March 28, 2020, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Simpson House
2102 Belmont Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Cost: $25

Facilitator: R. Dandridge Collins, Ph. D., M. Div.

Download the flyer!

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March – May 2020

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2020 General Conference Delegation Listening Sessions:

• Wednesday, March 25, 2020 – 7 pm to 8:30 pm  Church of the Good Shepherd,  1500, Quentin Rd., Lebanon PA
• Thursday, April 2, 2020 – 7 pm – 8:30 pm  Downingtown UMC751 East Lancaster Ave, Downingtown, PA. This event will be streamed and accessible by ZOOM
• Saturday, April 4, 2020 – 10 am to noon  Simpson House, 2101 Belmont Ave.,
  Philadelphia, PA
• Monday, April 20, 2020 – 7 pm to 8:30 pm  Epworth UMC, 3245 Oakland Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18020

Information sheet for 2020 General Conference Listening Sessions

Post-General Conference Review Sessions with Bishop Johnson

• Saturday, May 23, 2020, 10 am – 12 noon, West Lawn UMC, Reading, PA
• Saturday, May 30, 2020, 10 am – 12 noon  Aldersgate UMC, Wilmington, DE

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April 2020

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April 19: CONAM Spring Program

The conference Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) will hold its spring gathering for worship, learning and fellowship on Sunday, April 19, from 4 to 7 PM, at Camp Innabah. Their program title:  Indian Country’s Hidden Figures: Outstanding Native Women.  All are invited, especially all local church CONAM representatives.

April 25: 2020 Faith-Sharing Event, Evangelism in a Changing Landscape

Plan now to attend the Eastern PA Conference’s next Faith-Sharing Event on Saturday, April 25,2020. The Rev. Lisa Greenwood, of Dallas, Texas, will be our featured presenter. She is Vice-President for Leadership Ministry of TMF (the Texas Methodist Foundation), and she will explore the theme “Evangelism in a Changing Landscape.”

This one-day event will stimulate reflections on the changing landscape of our mission field—both its challenges and opportunities—and invite us into conversations about the implications for our church leaders and ministries. Congregations are encouraged to send teams to learn, strategize and prepare to grow together.

At TMF, Greenwood works with leaders in various settings to explore and foster “deep change in the church by facilitating conversations of courage, learning and innovation.” She speaks, consults and facilitates conversations among denominational and congregational leaders for the sake of creating a culture of purpose, generosity and courage in the church.

For our Faith-Sharing Event, she asks these questions: Ever feel like we have inherited models for ministry that just aren’t working? Has evangelism taken on the qualities of an unwanted virus (thus, to be avoided like the plague!)?

And yet, we know that we are compelled to share Christ’s good news of love and grace, justice and hope. What does that call mean for us as leaders and for the churches we serve?

With psychology and Master of Divinity degrees, Lisa was ordained in 1992 and successfully served for 20 years in suburban, urban and rural churches in the North Texas Annual Conference. She served her conference on its Board of Ordained Ministry, Order of Elders and four General Conference delegations (2004-2019). Lisa was also a ministry strategist for the Horizons Stewardship Company. She and her husband have seven children.

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DISTRICT EVENTS

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Clergy mentor trainings coming up (Feb. and March dates)

All ordained elders, deacons and local pastors who have completed the course of study are encouraged (but not required) to attend a mentors training. Mentors are enlisted to support and encourage candidates for ministry throughout the candidacy process, as well as local pastors throughout their course of study.

Trained mentors are selected by the district superintendent, in consultation with the District Committee on Ministry, and also by the Board of Ordained Ministry to serve provisional members. Mentors must be trained to serve, and they must be retrained every four years.

This training meets all requirements, and much of it is offered online. Trainees should bring internet-accessible devices (laptop or tablet) for use with Wi-Fi. The training, which offers .3 CEUs, includes an orientation in UMCARES (UM Candidacy and Record Entry System).

The North District will offer training Feb. 27 at Grace St Paul’s UMC in Jim Thorpe. The South District will offer training on Feb. 20 , at the Conference Office in Audubon (Norristown). All training times are from 9 AM till about noon. The East District will offer its training March 12 at Christ UMC Lansdale

March 7: 2020 Tools for Ministry

*Spanish-language workshops will be held at the North District location, click on the link below for more information.

• South District: Eastern PA University/Palmer Campus, 1300 Eagle Road, St. Davids, PA 19087-3696. 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Learn more and Register.
• North District: Asbury UMC, 1533 Springhouse Road, Allentown, PA 18104. 9 AM – 1 PM. Learn more and register.
• East District: Lehman Memorial UMC in Hatoboro, PA. 8 AM – 1 PM. Registration: $15. Learn more and register.
• West District: Church of the Good Shepherd in Lebanon, PA. 8:15 AM – 12:30 PM. Registration: $10. Learn more and register.

May 17: 2020 District Conferences

Further Details TBA.

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OTHER EVENTS

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We All Wear Purple: A Special Invitation for Palmer Alumni

You are invited to learn more about the intersection of our various ministries with people affected by domestic abuse at the We All Wear Purple educational workshop. The seminar, on March 5, will take place at Cabrini University, just across the road from Eastern University. Affordable, this seminar could serve as a catalyst, an encouragement, or both, to anyone whose ministry involves navigating this complex issue.

We All Wear Purple: Responding to Domestic Abuse

An educational workshop for counselors and ordained or lay professionals working with their faith communities

Thursday, March 5, 2020 · 8:00 AM—12:30 PM
Cabrini University
Grace Hall
610 King of Prussia Rd, Radnor, PA

For Event Invitation & Details, Including Workshop Schedule, Click here

Register Here

NEJ UMW to meet in Baltimore, April 24-26

Northeastern Jurisdiction United Methodist Women will meet April 24-26 at Baltimore (MD) Marriott Waterfront.   

Called to Be. Called to See. Called to Live. Come where ALL women are welcome! Come discover your passion and purpose! Come experience spirit filled worship, inspirational and motivational speakers and workshops that promote advocacy and service to others! Come gather skills for successful leadership! Come gain opportunities to network with a dynamic group of women! Come learn how to be an agent of change! Come be a part of a movement where women are committed to putting faith hope and love into action!

The quadrennial UMW jurisdictional gathering of a lifetime!  Keynoter: Rev. Jennifer Crumpton, author of Femmevangelical: The Modern Girl’s Guide to the Good News.

Hurry! Time’s running out and workshops are filling up fast! Registration is now $375. So, register now for the event of a lifetime. Also, book your hotel rooms now. Questions? Contact Mikele Delmore, Registrar at (302) 853-7512 or northeastern@unitedmethodistwomen.org. For more information, visit www.nejumw.org. 

Northeastern PA Pastors Seminar

Thursday, April 30, 2020 (9 AM to 4 PM)

$35 per person includes full day seminar, book signing and books for purchase, continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

Open to all denominational and non-denominational clergy, staff, and laity.

Please register by emailing Lori Wagner at loribethwagner@gmail.com.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Len Wilson (St. Andrews UMC, Plano, TX)

Len Wilson is an expert in communications and creativity in church life. He is known for his pioneering work in visual storytelling, and has taught and consulted with organizations and ministries across the country. His life mission is to use oral, written and visual communication with equal effectiveness in sharing Jesus Christ and advancing God’s kingdom. Len is the author or co-author of ten books, has been featured in dozens of articles for major religious periodicals, and has acquired leadership books for Abingdon Press, a division of the United Methodist Publishing House. He currently serves as Creative and Communications Director at St. Andrew, a large church in Plano, Texas. Len holds a MA in Religious Communication from United Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry in Semiotics and Future Studies from Portland Seminary. Follow Len at lenwilson.us or on Twitter at @Len_Wilson.

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LOCAL CHURCH & MISSION LINK EVENTS

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See more on our Local Church Events page.

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Save-the-Dates

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• February 22: “True Justice” — Seeking Equal Justice for People & Communities of Color. Film showing & discussion, 9:30 AM – 3 PM, Cedarville UMC
• February 24: Lenten Day Apart for Clergy. Host Church: The Crossing in Washington Crossing, PA. Learn more and register.
• March 7: Tools for Ministry (all districts)
• March 14: Basic Sexual Ethics, 9:30 AM – 3 PM, Bethel UMC. Register online.
• March 20-22: Dismantling Racism 3-day training, Friday 5 PM – Sunday 3 PM, Desmond Hotel
• March 21: ERT/VIM Training, 8 AM – 4 PM, Quakertown UMC. Register online.
• March 21-22: UMW’s Girls on the Go Retreat, Camp Innabah
• March 20-22: National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministries (NPHLM) Encuentro 2 (Encounter 2), location TBA (Pen-Del Conference)
• March 28: Racism, Post-Traumatic Stress, & Transformation, 8 AM, Simpson House. Register online.
• March 28: Eastern PA Youth Rally, 10 AM – 4 PM
• April 18: Connectional Table Meeting, 9 AM – 12 PM
• April 25: Faith-Sharing Event: Evangelism in a Changing Landscape, 9 AM – 3 PM, Bethlehem: Wesley UMC
• April 26 – 28: FAMLP Retreat, Camp Pecometh
• May 2: Advanced Sexual Ethics Workshop, 9:30 AM – 3 PM, Elam UMC
• May 16: UMW’s Spiritual Life Retreat
• May 16: Urban Summit
• May 16: Basic Sexual Ethics Workshop, 9:30 AM – 3 PM, Faith UMC
• May 17: District Conferences
• May 22 – 23: Retreat for Clergy of Color, Mariawald Renewal Center, facilitated by Dr. Amanda Kemp. Register.
• May 30: Clergy Transition Workshop, 9:30 AM – 2 PM, West Lawn UMC
• May 30: Latino Commission Holy Convocation and Annual Assembly
• June 6: CRCC Training, 9 AM – 3 PM, Further Details TBA
• June 18 – June 20: 2020 Annual Conference, Oaks Expo Center
• October 3: Connectional Ministries Leadership Training Event
• October 10: Domestic Violence Seminar, Time TBA
• October 17: ERT/VIM Training, 8 AM – 4 PM, Eastwick UMC
• October 17: UMW Annual Celebration
• October 23-25: Dismantling Racism Trainging, Friday 5 PM – Sunday 3 PM, Desmond Hotel
• October 24: Adjourned Session of Annual Conference

Printable Listing of Eastern PA Conference Events (Updated weekly.)