When Terry Bridges, Coordinator of Urban Ministries and pastor of Midtown Parish UMC, was looking for ideas to bolster his church’s new youth ministry program, he turned to someone who works with young people a lot and knows them quite …
Prayers, support urged for Puerto Rico’s Fiona victims
UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) is calling for prayers and donations to support its disaster relief efforts, as we wait to learn the full severity of Hurricane Fiona’s destruction in Puerto Rico. The storm, a Category 1 hurricane when …
New superintendents urge courage, vision for their 2 districts
Invoking God’s call to courageous, visionary leadership, the Eastern PA Conference celebrated the installation of two new district superintendents on Sunday, Sept. 18, in two places—outdoor and indoor sanctuaries—just 74 miles apart.
New video introduces Pathways to foster fruitful congregations
The new Introduction to Pathways video begins by asking the questions churches will ask themselves, as they consider participation in the new EPA Conference initiative to help congregations envision and work toward forging a more vital, hopeful future.
A sacred reunion
For me, it was always just a stopping point for a whitefish sandwich and a refreshing drink 13 hours into the 14-hour drive to see my wife Joan’s parents in the UP (Upper Peninsula) of Michigan. For the indigenous peoples of that region, however, St. Ignace is sacred…
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually Sept. 15-Oct. 15, highlights the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic-Americans. Communities honor the achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans with festivals and educational activities…
Latino Commission retreats serve leaders of all ages
Bendiciones y la paz de Dios en nuestros corazones. Es de sumo gozo reiniciar nuestro retiro anual de la Comisión Latina. (Blessings and the peace of God in our hearts. It is with great joy that we resume our annual Latino Commission retreat.)
The Being of Leadership
Over the last several months, I have written to you about leading – why leadership is important, what leaders focus on and do, and how leaders develop. Today I focus on the being of leadership. As much as the doing of leadership is important, if we are not in sync with the being of leadership, all of our doing may not matter or may not connect with people.
Summer camps connect 2,366 young hearts with God and each other
Two statements sum up the reactions of many children and youth to their summer camp adventures the past two months at the Eastern PA Conference’s four Camp & Retreat Centers: “I feel so much more connected with God, personally” and …
Bishops call for rejecting ‘idolatry of guns’
Key points United Methodist bishops are sharing a letter with the wider church that encourages prayer, Bible study and contacting elected officials to address gun violence. The bishops also plan to send a letter to the U.S. Congress and White …