News & Views

May 27, 2026

Seeking the Lord where the Lord may be found

2026 Annual Conference Summary With a sense of readiness for the Holy Spirit, Annual Conference 2026 opened in a worshipful Celebration of Ministry service. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi welcomed Yina Park as a sister in Christ through the waters of baptism.

Neurodiversity ministries blossom from deep listening

In recent years, awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity—the reality that people’s brains develop and function in different ways—has grown significantly. Often associated with conditions like autism and ADHD, neurodivergence reflects a wide spectrum of human experience. Yet the church has not always embraced these differences ...

After 10 years, conference continues Act of Repentance efforts toward healing

This year marked the tenth anniversary of the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference’s 2016 Act of Repentance, a response to the 2012 General Conference “Act of Repentance toward Healing Relationships with Indigenous Peoples.” That small word, “toward,” acknowledges that the work ...

Conference historians explore racial, religious and revolutionary past

PENNINGTON, New Jersey—Just before The United Methodist Church celebrated Heritage Sunday, May 24, denominational historians and archivists learned about the earliest history of both American Methodism and its host nation, which is celebrating its birth 250 years ago. That past ...

EPA Conference Board of Trustees Leads Visionary Conference Office Renovation

The Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference is preparing to begin a transformative renovation of its Conference Office—one that will address long-standing building needs while creating a welcoming Conference Center for clergy, laity, conference ministries, and partner organizations. This project represents far ...

FundRAISE the Roof: How one pastor’s rooftop campout raised funds and spirits

On Sunday, May 3, Rev. Johnson Dodla climbed a ladder to the roof of Mount Hope UMC. But he wasn’t assessing water damage or chasing after a rogue dodgeball. He was embarking on an overnight camp out — the culminating ...

Furniture Available for pickup at the Conference Office

On July 14, 2026, the EPA conference office will close for renovations. If you or your church are looking for office furniture, you can check out which pieces are looking for a new home in the Excel file below. Furniture ...

Volunteers needed this summer at Innabah, Gretna Glen & Pocono Plateau! The Camp & Retreat Centers of Eastern Pennsylvania

Summer camp is here and we are looking for some help. Volunteers play a vital role in creating a welcoming, safe, and faith-filled experience for our campers. Whether you can help for a day, several days, or an entire week, ...

Multicolored Messages of Love and Support

A Reflection on the First Year of the EPA LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Task Force On my way to Annual Conference this year, I stopped at an art supply store. I was running late, but on an impulse, I pulled into the ...

Clothing the Community: Introducing Linnett’s Lending Closet

Sanctuary UMC of North Wales, PA is excited to announce the launch of our newest compassion ministry: Linnett’s Lending Closet. Inspired by our former Pastor Lorraine Foster’s mother, this emergency clothing ministry is designed to get apparel into the hands of ...