The first day of legislative work at the 2024 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference in Pittsburgh commenced with a solemn service of remembrance and communion, setting a reflective tone for the days ahead. The service honored the late bishops William Boyd Grove …
Leadership Academy offers 2 new Bible study courses led by Bishop Schol
The EPA&GNJ Leadership Academy features two new, in-depth Bible study courses in June, with discussions led by Bishop John Schol via Zoom. The courses are Gospel of Luke and Gospel of John. Each course includes eight videos, pre-course assignments, helpful …
Bishops confirm end to church disaffiliations, freedom regarding same-gender weddings
The College of Bishops of The United Methodist Church’s Northeastern Jurisdiction issued a letter June 10 to all members addressing the end of church disaffiliations and policies related to “Same-Gender Weddings and Appointments of LGBTQ Pastors.” The letter, in response to many …
Embracing the Joy of Our Unity
A MESSAGE FROM OUR BISHOP (From NEWSpirit newspaper’s Spring 2024 issue) “…so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” –Romans 12:5 I tasted grits for the first time at the age …
The Lengthening of Our Days
These days we are traveling through the season of Lent, the weeks from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday—40 days, excluding Sundays. While we may honor sacrifices during Lent, Sundays are considered mini-Easters and are not days to sacrifice, but to …
EPA&GNJ members “Journey with Paul” in Greece
Evoking the season and spirit of Epiphany, which signifies the revelation of Christ to the world, 23 members of the Eastern PA and Greater New Jersey conferences began 2024 in Greece on a revealing “Journey with Paul.” Since January 4 …
EPA&GNJ Collaboration progress, next steps: December 2023 update
Each month EPA&GNJ Cabinet and staff will be reporting on the progress and next steps, opportunities and challenges in collaborative areas of leadership, database development, ending the sin of racism, youth ministry groups, camp & retreat ministry, finances and benefits, …
Bishop updates EPA on church disaffiliation suit
Dear United Methodists of Eastern Pennsylvania, Last week, the judge ruled in favor of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference regarding a request by 11 of our churches for an injunction. These churches sought to disaffiliate without adhering to the process outlined …
Bishops urge prayer, deepened faith in response to Israel tragedy
“In the shadows of grief and concern, I reach out to you today regarding the deeply distressing events unfolding in the Middle East,” wrote Bishop John Schol in a letter to EPA&GNJ members today. He lamented the “devastating acts of …
Bishop invites all on 2024 Holy Land Pilgrimage
Journey Through the Bible, January 4-14, 2024 To experience an unforgettable exploration of the Holy Land, led by Bishop John Schol, in January 2024, sign up now, by October 4. Learn more, and register now to save. Also view this …