June has been a busy but blessed month for the Eastern PA Conference Latino Commission, as it engages members in three transformative experiences for their minds, bodies and souls.

First, 20 Latino clergy and laity gathered June 8 at the conference office for an interactive workshop on grant proposal writing, led by expert Lenora Thompson. A consultant who helps nonprofits seek and manage government grants, she teaches this important knowledge annually at EPA’s Tools for Ministry regional learning academy and in other settings.

Thompson, who chairs EPA’s Connectional Table and Conference Scholarship Committee, taught attendees what to do and not do when writing proposals, and how to identify funding resources in the UM Church and in secular society. They left with a solid beginner’s knowledge in finding resources and writing proposals.

‘The Church that God Calls us to Be‘

A week later, June 15, the commission sponsored its annual Holy Convocation, with its 2024 theme: “The Church that God Calls us to Be. The Spirit Sends You.”

El Buen Samaritano UMC in West Chester hosted the gathering, which drew about 50 attendees, including clergy, laypeople, youth and children. They came together to seek God’s presence and inspiration through praise and intercessory prayer.

The Rev. Andrew Foster, East District Superintendent, and the Rev. Lorraine Foster, his wife and pastor, joined the assembly. Members lifted up to God prayers for Latino ministries in particular, and for all congregations, pastors, staff and leaders, including Bishop John Schol, as he retires this summer, and the incoming bishop who will follow him.

With fervor and conviction, they prayed that God would attend to the cries of His people. Foster delivered words of wisdom, beginning with the familiar Latino greeting “Buenos Dias.” He inspired the congregation to strive to live lives of conviction, purity and focus on proclaiming the truth of the gospel in love.

The gathering concluded with Holy Communion and a time of fellowship. “We are grateful for these exciting times and have high expectations for what God has in store for Latino Ministries in EPA&GNJ,” said the Rev. Lisa DePaz, Eastern PA Conference Latino Commission Coordinator.

Latino Camp Week, June 30-July 4

A final June event will nurture the minds, bodies and souls of young people, beginning on Sunday, June 30, at 6 p.m. and ending on America’s Independence Day, July 4, at 2 p.m. It’s the Latino Commission’s annual Latino Camp Week, which EPA’s Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center has hosted for over four decades.

“Celebrating Christ in Latino Rhythms!” (Celebremos a Cristo al Ritmo Latino) is this year’s theme. Latino Camp Week (Campamento de la Semana Latina) will celebrate multiple Latino/Latinx/Latine cultures, heritages, foods and traditions, as well as our singular spirituality in Christ.

The weeklong, bilingual camp is open to children and youth of all cultures, ages 9-18. It offers lively music, art, teaching, Bible Discovery, worship, crafts and recreation, including nature hikes, swimming, boating, fishing, campfires, hiking, archery, sports, games, and much more. Youth campers will have the opportunity to take part in off-site trips, high and low ropes challenge courses and theme-based programming.

The camp is dedicated to the spirituality, culture, value and importance of all participants both individually and as la familia.  So, come join us, as we celebrate and share together our unity in Christ! Learn more and register.

Information provided by the Rev. Maria Quesada “Lisa” DePaz, Eastern PA Conference Hispanic/Latino Commission Coordinator (ldepaz@epaumc.church)