UM churches host vaccinations

A number of our UM churches are joining others in hosting COVID-19 vaccination clinics, in partnership with nearby hospitals and pharmacies. They are providing a much-needed resource to getting the vaccines disseminated, especially among under-served residents in their communities. (And some churches also served as critically needed COVID testing sites in the early months of the pandemic.)

Creation-care: Working toward net-zero carbon emissions

Five General Agencies of the UMC are joining together this year to commit to Net-Zero Carbon Emissions* in their operations and as a resource for the whole denomination.  We look forward to their initiative and the harvest of responsible stewardship of the earth’s resources that it will produce in years to come. For more information, take a look at this YouTube resource from our denominational agencies:  https://youtu.be/2sZZI8V-Zpc

Mission Link proves good things can come when adversity hits

It seemed that the year 2020 was a year of tempestuous winds to navigate.

Many congregations and people were struggling to follow new regulations and to maintain social distance from acquaintances, friends, and family. For some, these regulations were easy to follow. We are all different and appreciate life and relationships in distinct ways. The struggles that we are facing during this pandemic might bring the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Camp & Retreat Centers foresee ‘a future with hope’

What a difference a year can make—especially this year, and especially for the four Eastern PA Conference’s Camp & Retreat Ministry (CRM) sites.

“Spring has sprung, and we are so excited,” writes Apryl Miller, Director of Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center in a recent newsletter. Despite the ongoing, debilitating pandemic, she and the other camp directors are hoping to spring forward into CRM-saving time, when their recovering sites can escape the winter of their discontent and thrive once again.

Conference youth are socially distanced but spiritually connected

Most teenagers by Saturday are no doubt tired of looking, listening and talking to computer screens all week for school instruction and social interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, Eastern PA Conference youth gladly gather on-screen twice a month for Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM) meetings that for some have become like talk therapy.

Policing in African American Communities Webinar

Join us for an important discussion to benefit our communities…

The Eastern PA Conference Urban Commission’s Fight for Floyd and Beyond Initiative will sponsor a webinar on African Americans and Policing: Developing Healthy Police and Community Relationships on Thursday, April 22, 6:30 to 8:30 PM on Zoom.

Conference commission leads the way to ‘Dismantling Racism’

Dismantling Racism. The term, growing in use, conveys an apt understanding that this social scourge is large, systemic and complex, with many parts—and that it must be taken apart or demolished from different angles. That is how the Eastern PA Conference is approaching the stubborn sin of racism.

Read the Spring 2021 issue of NEWSpirit Newspaper

The Spring 2021 issue of NEWSpirit Newspaper is online now with lots of important news: 

• A welcome to Bishop John Schol, who will succeed Bishop Johnson in September
• A wide-ranging overview of the conference's Dismantling Racism initiative.
• An update on our Camp & Retreat Centers as they prepare for ‘a future with hope’...

Eastern PA to hold 2nd online Annual Conference May 20-22

AC Registration is Open

Visit our AC Information Page

[THIS STORY WAS UPDATED MARCH 30, FOLLOWING A COUNCIL OF BISHOPS MEETING.]