Bishop John Schol (center) met with EPA Deacons before a larger meeting with all clergy Nov. 9 at Hopewell UMC. He returns to lead our conference through 2024 after the recent Northeastern Jurisdiction Conference.
The United Methodists of Eastern PA welcome Bishop John Schol back to provide continuing coverage as our episcopal leader through 2024. At the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference, Nov. 1-4, he was reassigned to EPA and also to the Greater New Jersey Conference for his 11th year as bishop there.
Since September 2021, Bishop Schol has led EPA in efforts to recover from the COVID pandemic and hurricane-related flooding, to reconcile with survivors of abuse in the BSA, and to resource churches considering denominational disaffiliation. Moreover, he is leading the cabinet, conference staff and coaches to help churches chart new Pathways to Congregational Fruitfulness and Health and also a Path Toward Wholeness to end the sin of racism.
“I am grateful and humbled to be reassigned to EPA,” shared Bishop Schol. “I look forward to learning how I can best serve Christ and the church during this quadrennium.”
Bishop Schol has met with the Connectional Table, with conference boards and committees, and with clergy and lay leaders. He met with more than 200 clergy on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at Hopewell UMC in Downingtown. He asked three questions, seeking to learn how he can best serve EPA:
- What has gone well in the last several years, and how can I lead to assist clergy and congregations so we can do more of this?
- What can I do in my role as bishop to help improve the mission and vitality of congregations, leadership of clergy and laity and the mission of EPA?
- If together we were to accomplish one thing during this quadrennium, what would it be?
If you would like to provide feedback to Bishop Schol on these three questions you are invited to email him at: BishopJohnSchol@epaumc.church.