The United Methodists of Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey are living into their EPA&GNJ connectional affiliation by collaborating in key administrative and program operations. Together, they are focused on jointly cultivating leadership and resourcing vital mission congregations, while viewing …
EPA considers future direction, despite loss of some churches
The Eastern PA Annual Conference in May will consider resolutions that point the way to a future of Possibility, the apt theme for its 2023 session. Members will consider a major, new Strategic Direction for EPA’s operations and ministries, proposed …
EPA Annual Conference looks forward to a future with Possibility
“…With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) The United Methodists of Eastern Pennsylvania may hear Jesus Christ’s words of blessed assurance spoken often during their 2023 Annual Conference May 18-20, as they convene onsite rather than online for the …
Creating a culture of calling to pastoral ministry is crucial now
“I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’” (Isaiah 6:8a) Although I don’t condone its tone or tactics, HBO Max’s dramatic series, Succession, is wildly popular. It’s all about the …
Spiritual retreats offer weary clergy respite, renewal
“Pastors need a break. We need some sense of support and nurture.” That’s how the Rev. Peter Jamieson, pastor of Richmond UMC in Bangor, described what brought 25 EPA clergy members to scenic Pocono Plateau Camp & Retreat Center April …
EPA, GNJ CoNAMS share friendship beyond borders
Both the Eastern PA and Greater New Jersey annual conferences in May will begin with a traditional ceremony acknowledging the land we occupy as once owned by Native American people, particularly the Lenni-Lenape nation who inhabited land in what is …
Courts uphold church-state separation in declining church disaffiliation lawsuits
United Methodist News Service published an article April 19 titled “Exiting Florida churches’ lawsuit dismissed” and an earlier article April 3 titled “187 churches sue North Georgia Conference.” Both report state judicial rulings on lawsuits brought by UM churches disaffiliating …
Breakthrough’s new website is here to help revitalize worship
It’s here! We’ve just launched the new colorful, easy-to-use website for our Breakthrough worship resource for United Methodists of Eastern PA and Greater NJ. Check it out at Breakthrough Worship Resources (breakthroughseries.org). The new site provides easy access to Breakthrough’s free, time-saving, creative …
Churches build homes at home to send to neighbors in need
For its third annual Help Build Hope mission project, Bethel Hill United Methodist Church in Lansdale, PA, doubled down on its usual homebuilding efforts by constructing a more ambitious, two-floor duplex for some blessed new homeowners in Berks County. Help …
Latino Commission’s Holy Convocation inspires prayer, unity
From all regions of the Eastern PA Conference, members of its Latino/Hispanic Commission came together to strengthen their unity in the Holy Spirit at their annual Holy Convocation on Saturday, April 15, at Casa del Rey UMC in Allentown, PA. …