“God’s desire for us is to build communities of hope and joy.” The Eastern PA Conference United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women) invite all to join in exploring that inspiring, unifying desire at monthlong sessions of Mission u …
Church to host another, much-needed blood drive
June 14, was World Blood Donor Day, during a time when our nation is suffering a severe blood shortage. St. John’s UMC in Ivyland is offering a solution to that problem. It will sponsor another Blood Drive July 8, from …
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 …
Church grateful for flood recovery aid from partner churches
“Our hearts are full,” announced the Rev. Catherine Bowers, in thanking partner churches and others for their support in the ongoing efforts of Otterbein UMC in Mont Clare to recover from Hurricane Ida-caused flood damages last September. “You have made …
EPA honors churches, leaders for the fruit they bear
“Be purposeful and fruitful.” That creative challenge is in the last line of Bishop John Schol’s April 4 essay titled “ Direction: A Key Ingredient for Successful Leadership – Part 2: Mission.” He reminds us of the Eastern PA Conference’s mission: “Recruit …
Ordinands’ fruitfulness projects respond to individual, church, community needs
As the COVID pandemic in late 2020 took a heavy toll on many lives—including health, housing, businesses, jobs and family incomes—members of Wooddale UMC in East Stroudsburg and nearby rural Analomink UMC saw their communities increasingly in dire need of …
Church celebrates confirmation of 16 youth
”It was my joy to confirm 16 youth from our church who claimed their faith on Confirmation Sunday,” announced the Rev. Candy LaBar, pastor of Wesley UMC Bethlehem. “I wish our confirmands every blessing on this new stage of their …
Churches offer healing ministries through GriefShare groups
Grieving the death of a loved one can become a healing journey when shared with others, and at least two United Methodist churches in Eastern PA are helping members and neighbors to take that journey together. Grove UMC in West …
Merged churches inspire hope through mission center
“Hope Starts Here,” penned in colorful letters, is a small sign on the door of a big room where food is prepared at Mission First, a ministry located at the former First United Methodist Church in downtown Pottstown. And that …
Learn to create, sustain a Lay Care Team in your church
Want to start a Lay Care Team in your church to help persons with various needs? Learn how in the workshop “Creating and Sustaining Lay Care Teams in the Local Church” on Zoom April 26, on Tuesday, from 6:30 to …