The United Methodist Church has released the 2021 State of the Church Report, which centers around the theme of claiming our identity. Beginning with Jesus’ question to Peter in Matthew 16, “Who do you say that I am?” the question …
Summer camps launch, fostering fun, faith, friendships
After weeks of staff training and preparations, summer camps are fully underway at EPA’s four Camp & Retreat Centers, delighting children, youth and adults with memories and friendships that may last a lifetime. Beyond all the expected fun and fellowship, …
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.
United Methodists react to end of Roe v. Wade
United Methodists with varied views on the abortion issue were alternately stunned and satisfied after word came down from the Supreme Court that Roe v. Wade would no longer be the law of the land.
Federal EPA to offer churches free energy efficiency trainings
The Rev. Zachary Hopple, pastor of Christ UMC Lansdale, wants Eastern PA Conference churches to know about free, upcoming Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) training events to help churches save on energy costs. The first, July 12, from 6:30 to 8:00 …
Help Is On the Way!
Everywhere I drive my car these days—and I drive a lot!— I encounter potholes in the road—huge, crater-like, car-swallowing potholes. And nobody seems to be doing anything about it. There’s a stretch of road about four miles long which runs …
Project Restoration and partners meeting hurricane recovery needs
The Eastern PA Conference’s Project Restoration is now helping survivor families recover from severe flood damage caused by Hurricanes Ida in 2021 and Isaias in 2020. We are working with disaster recovery partners in Coatesville, Downingtown, Eastwick and West Chester, with more communities soon to come. If you know of hurricane survivors with unmet needs please call us at 484-441-6637 or email projectrestoration@epaumc.org.
Church welcomes neighbors into its ‘spiritual home’
“Welcome Home.” One sees that greeting written down at First UMC in Media and on its website. But now members are also saying it more, as they welcome new and diverse attendees to join them in worship and ministry. The …
Local Pastors Licensing School to begin in August
The Eastern PA Conference’s next Local Pastor Licensing School will begin August 19 and run eight weekends total until Oct. 8. That includes six weekends total of in-class modules, again offered fully online via Zoom video-conferencing, with a weekend off …
Carson Simpson Farm to host Worship Fest, Oct. 15
Carson Simpson Farm in Hatboro, EPA’s Philadelphia-area Camp & Retreat Center, will host a free, lively, half-day, outdoor worship festival on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 12 to 5 PM. WorshipFest will feature an outpouring of music and messages from a …